A COUPLE who were both addicted to Ecstasy avoided jail sentences yesterday.

At Teesside Crown Court Deanne Darby and Andrew Bishop admitted possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply in January last year and June.

Bishop, 23, of Newson Crescent, Eaglescliffe, also admitted possession of amphetamines.

David Lamb, prosecuting, said police stopped a Volkswagen Polo carrying Darby and three others in Stockton.

They found a small purse containing 40 Ecstasy tablets belonging to Darby, 24, of Croft Road, Eaglescliffe, and another eight tablets in her underwear which she said was for personal use.

Bishop was arrested after the police found traces of cocaine at an address in Wembley Way, Stockton.

Two months later the couple were in a Ford Escort when it was stopped in Stockton.

Darby produced a purse containing 43 Ecstasy tablets and a plastic bag containing amphetamines worth £163.

Bishop was sentenced to 100 hours community punishment and two years community rehabilitation, and Darby was given two years community rehabilitation.