AN addict who was taking 15 Ecstasy tablets a day was jailed for 18 months yesterday for dealing in the drugs.

John Headley, 22, who has been addicted to Ecstasy since he was 14, believed it did not do him any harm, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was arrested twice at his home in Cedar Crescent, Willington, County Durham, in possession of Ecstasy, the first time with 22 tablets and then, two months later, with 59.

He said he was going to go to the Tall Trees nightclub to distribute them to his friends, the court heard.

Police also found self-sealing plastic bags known as "dealer's bags", said Michael Bosomworth, prosecuting.

Headley pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, and also to possession last December and in February.

In mitigation, Chris Baker said Headley had been abusing substances since he was 12 and hung around with a group who had similar thoughts on Ecstasy.

Mr Baker said that while on remand, Headley went on courses dealing with drug abuse that had helped him to realise that "Ecstasy was not a way to deal with his life".