A MAN has told a court that he was left brain damaged after taking just half an Ecstasy tablet.

Andrew Lee, 21, was giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court against Christopher Hartshorn, 20, who is accused of supplyinging Ecstasy to a youth who died.

A jury has been hearing how how 17-year-old Martin Dakers had taken the class A drug to celebrate getting a job on March 14 last year.

After taking a combination of drink and drugs he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and died in police custody.

Mr Hartshorn, of Pembridge, Oxclose, Washington, denies four charges of supplying Ecstasy.

Mr Lee, of Lambton, Washington, told jurors he ended up in hospital after taking the drug when he was 16.

Robert Woodcock, prosecuting, had asked if the incident had had any lasting effect on him.

Mr Lee replied: "Yes. I have brain damage, mental illness.

When Judge Guy Whitburn asked him how many tablets he had taken, Mr Lee replied: "Half a one".

The trial continues.