A MAN accused of dropping a bag of heroin on a country lane on the outskirts of York claimed in court he had been "fitted up" by police.

Carl Russell Anson, 45, was arrested after police officers allegedly saw him deposit bag containing 21g of heroin in a country lane near Poppleton.

At the time he was on police bail following his arrested on conspiracy to supply heroin in October 2000.

Speaking at Leeds Crown Court yesterday Anson said he felt wronged and believed the police had told lies about him.

He said DC Michael Leigh, who was in charge of the investigation, had wanted him in prison and told him he wanted him to be there for a very long time.

He said: "He wanted me to be in prison for eight to ten years. He said to me I am going to get you eight to ten years before I'm finished."

Defence barrister Paul Greaney said: "There is a phrase, 'to fit someone up'. Is that what you think happened to you?"

"Yes," replied Anson.

Anson, from Albert Drive, Morley, denies possessing heroin with intent to supply in August 2001.

Anson said on the morning of the incident he had travelled to Knaresborough to pay for a wardrobe.

He was married, but had a girlfriend in York and went from Knaresborough to York to visit her.

He took the A59 and stopped off once to buy a sandwich and then again to buy a drink and some cigarettes.

He continued the journey towards York but needed to go to the toilet and turned into a side lane near Poppleton to relieve himself. After doing so he got back in his car and continued his journey.

The prosecution allege when he got out of the car he dropped the bag of heroin at the base of a sign near to the turning.

But Anson said, although he had been in possession of heroin on other occasions, on this occasion he was not.

Prosecuting, Tom Storey said after being released on police bail, Anson jumped at the chance to reoffend.

Mr Storey said: "You were prepared to deceive your wife and you are quite prepared to deceive the ladies and gentlemen on this jury."

The trial continues.

Updated: 12:29 Friday, September 06, 2002