A MAN who was caught dumping 11 wraps of heroin as police chased him from a homeless hostel has walked free from court.
Lee Johnson had been charged by the police with possessing the class A drugs with intent to supply but prosecutors dropped the charge when the 35-year-old admitted possession and a judge imposed a community order.
Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court Johnson was spotted at the council-run premises in Shenton Close, Lower Stratton, on July 2.
A housing officer alerted the police and they chased and caught the defendant.
Mr Meeke said that the Crown accepted he had the drugs, which weighed about 3.7g, for his own use.
Johnson, of Brain Court, Bunce Road, Stratton, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing class A drugs.
Judge Douglas Field said he noted Johnson was already getting help from community drug services Inclusion. He imposed a nine month community order and a drug rehabilitation requirement.
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