A brickie who hid a quantity of class A drugs in the waistband of his trousers has been shown mercy by a judge.
Daniel Eustace had 111 ecstasy tablets and 32 grams of cocaine in plastic bags when police searched him, said Robert Neill, prosecuting at Basildon Crown Court.
Mr Neill said the drugs had a street value of more than £2,000. He added that when the 29-year-old bricklayer was questioned he admitted having the drugs for his own use. He denied being a dealer and this was accepted, Mr Neill said.
Eustace, of Gatehope Drive, South Ockendon, has no previous convictions, and was told by Judge Daniel Worsley: "You don't need me to lecture you on the evils of drugs. However, if you had been a drugs dealer, you could have expected a long prison sentence.
"I have read reports that you are making good progress with your life."
The judge sentenced Eustace to 180 hours' community service and ordered him to pay £150 costs.
He warned the defendant, who pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs: "If you come before the courts again, do not expect any mercy."
Published Tuesday June 29, 2004
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