DRUG SHAME OF EX-BBC CHILDREN'S PRESENTER

A NORTHERN Ireland TV host who presented a nationwide children's show has
narrowly escaped a jail sentence for attempting to peddle drugs.

Aaron Taggart (22) of Lisburn, who hosted the popular BBC1 programme UKool,
pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing half a kilo of cannabis worth pounds
5,000 with intent to supply.

At Craigavon Crown Court he was given a 12 months jail sentence for
possession and two years for intent to supply the controlled drug - both
suspended for two years.

Passing sentence Judge John Curran told Taggart he was lucky not to be
jailed for acting as a drugs courier.

He said: "In a case like this where someone has acted as a courier of a
large quantity of drugs I would normally think of a custodial sentence."

"But in this case I intend to give you a chance. I hope it's a one off for
you."

"In the future, if you are found guilty of even a minor offence you will be
sent to jail for an additional two years." The court heard how Taggart and
another man were arrested when police stopped their car on August 4 and
found the stash of cannabis resin behind the driver's seat.

Taggart, of Woodland Park, Lisburn, admitted to the police he was taking
the drugs to another man.

His father Anthony - who was asked by the judge to take the witness box -
said his son now worked full-time in a shop in Lisburn.

"He's been a wonderful help to me and I am very, very, proud of him." He
said his son had been suffering from financial difficulties at the time.

Earlier this year Taggart beat off thousands of youngsters across the
country to win the prestige spot co-hosting UKool.

The programme ran for a number of weeks before finishing in August.

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "Aaron Taggart is no longer employed by the
BBC."

After the short hearing Taggart said he did not want to comment before
consulting his solicitor.

"I don't want to say anything that is detrimental to my career," he added.