A MAN who dropped a wrap of heroin in the street after he noticed a police vehicle has been fined.

Robert Burrell, 48, was seen by police walking in Maryport on May 12, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was seen dropping a silver foil item upon seeing the police vehicle.

It was retrieved by police and was suspected to be heroin. It was tested and found to have the presence of heroin.

Burrell made ‘no comment’ throughout police interview.

Claire Kirkpatrick, defending, said: He hadn’t been before the court since 2015. He had a drug problem for a long period of time following trauma when he was younger.

“He had a number of significant bereavements. He is now engaging with Recovery Steps.

“He has reconciled with his son and has found out he is going to be a grandfather in the new year. He has a lot of motivation to stay off the drugs.”

Burrell, of Rydal Avenue, Maryport, pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug – heroin.

Magistrates fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.