A LONG-TERM heroin addict tried to get off the drug by spending hundreds of pounds of state benefits on crack cocaine, York magistrates heard.

Jamie Owen had so many drugs when police raided his home, officers suspected him of being a drug dealer, said Martin Butterworth, prosecuting.

But months of investigation failed to uncover evidence of drug dealing.

Owen, 26, of Turnhead Crescent, Barlby, pleaded guilty to possession of 13.8g of crack cocaine, possession of 2.99g of heroin and possession of a Class C drug methadienone, all for his own use.

He was fined £408 with a £40 statutory surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Harry Bayman, defending, said Owen got a £1,000 benefit back payment and spent £600 on crack cocaine.

“He felt taking crack cocaine reduced his use of heroin,” said the solicitor. “I think going through Horizon (a drug rehabilitation agency) is the better strategy, in the sense they know what they are talking about.”

Mr Butterworth said police found the drugs when they raided Owen’s then home in New Millgate, Selby, on July 6, 2017.

Mr Bayman said the benefits back payment was the accumulated money Owen was not paid while he was being assessed as to whether he was entitled to them. He is on employment support allowance.

Owen is now getting help from Horizon and is on a methadone prescription, said the solicitor.