Addict had '˜heroin syringe behind ear'

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard Ross Coady was stopped by police on patrol in the city centre on September 11 this year.

The 31-year-old, from Margaret Street in Londonderry, admitted a charge of possessing Class A drugs.

Officers detained him after seeing a group, apparently drinking alcohol, at public toilets near Donegall Quay.

A prosecution lawyer said: “The defendant had a full syringe behind his ear.”

Following his arrest Coady confirmed he had a quantity of heroin for his own personal use.

Defence solicitor Brendan Blaney told the court his client is now on a programme of treatment for his dependency.

Sentencing Coady to 18 months probation, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said he recognised the attempts being made to treat his addiction.