A SWINDON man who tried to hide a bag containing drugs and a knife while being chased by police officers has been told to do unpaid work for his crime.

Levi Iles, 18, of Norman Road, appeared before magistrates in Swindon on Wednesday charged with possession of a class A drug - namely cocaine, possession of a class C drug - cannabis, and possession of a locking knife.

He pleaded guilty to all three offences.

The court heard that on March 29 at around 7pm, Iles was at the Orbital Retail Park in North Swindon when he came into contact with the police.

“The officer had attended because of a report regarding a male who was subject to an injunction to stop him being there,” said Pauline Lambert, prosecuting.

“As the officer was driving around the district centre near to the Homebase, he saw a man who, when he spotted the police, ran off in the direction of Asda.”

The court heard that the officer lost sight of Iles as he ran away, but that a security guard who had witnessed the chase identified a bag that a member of the public said had been discarded in a bush.

Ms Lambert added: “When the bag was opened they found cannabis, a provisional licence for Mr Iles, cocaine and a locking knife.

“The officers then attended Mr Iles’ address which is where he was arrested.”

Investigators assessed that the cocaine had a street value of around £25, although Iles said he had paid £40 for it. There were four small bags of cannabis worth £40 and an additional pot of cannabis worth £50.

In interview, Iles said the drugs were intended for personal use.

Alex Damon, defending, said Iles was a young man with a few drug related convictions but nothing more serious.

“Mr Iles was, in some senses, rather unlucky,” he said.

“The police weren’t looking for him, they were looking for someone else of a different description. On seeing the police and knowing he had drugs on him he made a run for it, if he hadn’t done that then nothing would have come of it.

“It was clearly a moment of panic for him.

“The cannabis and cocaine are clearly small quantities and consistent with personal use. The knife is the most serious point but this is a weapon that has not been found in dangerous circumstances.

“It wasn’t used to threaten or cause fear, in fact it was in his bag and in the locked position so not readily useable.”

Iles was told he must complete 60 hours of unpaid work in the community. He must also pay £85 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge. The knife and drugs will be destroyed.