A DRUG addict laid a heroin-filled egg in front of police officers during a strip search, a court heard yesterday.

As Jason Lyth pulled down his boxer shorts the officers spotted a plastic egg - of the type used in children's sweets - between his buttocks.

Teesside Crown Court was told that it contained 13 wraps of heroin.

John Gillette, prosecuting, said Lyth, 31, told police the drugs had been bought for he and his girlfriend's use after officers went to his home in Gloucester Street, Hartlepool, on March 21.

Mr Gillette said that on June 5 police again stopped a car being driven erratically by Lyth, in Howden Street, Hartlepool. He was searched and police found a plastic egg in his pocket containing traces of heroin. Three separate packs of the drug, weighing 9.47 grams and worth £940, were found in his clothing. He admitted a charge of possessing heroin with intent to supply, and possessing heroin.

David Lamb, defending, said Lyth was now on a drug rehabilitation programme.

Judge Guy Whitburn QC jailed Lyth for two years for the drugs offences, and ordered that he serve a further year for a previous sentence.