MAN TOOK HEROIN 'TO EASE HIS PAIN'

A judge took pity yesterday on a man who claimed he took heroin to
ease his physical pain.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Christopher Burke, 34, of Coniston
Square, Yarmouth, was found to have heroin with a street value of
?1860 (UK pounds) when police searched his home.

Jonathan Seely, prosecuting, said that when arrested Burke claimed he
had used the drugs to ease his pain and also supplied it to two others
over a six-week period.

Burke admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply and supplying
the drug.

Judge Paul Downes put him on probation for two years and tagged him
for six weeks. He also ordered that ?400 (UK pounds) found on him
should be confiscated.

He told Burke: "You have narrowly escaped a custodial sentence."

Normally anyone dealing in heroin would go straight to prison but a
medical report had confirmed that Burke suffered from a painful illness.

The judge warned him to stay away from illegal drugs in the
future.

Marcus Pearce, for Burke, said he had freed himself of heroin and was
now using orthodox medicine. "He realises that it is not the correct
way to treat his condition," he said.