ADDICTED COACH IN THE DOCK.

A BASKETBALL coach caught with drugs has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Ian Storr, 23, had quit his job at Eston Sports Academy when police raided his home and seized his stash of Class B drug Amphetamine.

Storr, of Errington Street, Brotton, said he was selling some to friends to fund his own addiction, said Richard Parsell, prosecuting.

Police seized drugs worth pounds 108, bags, scales, a mobile phone and pounds 60 cash, Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday.

He had a tin in his jeans pocket containing 7.5g of Amphetamines. The total found in his home was just over 10g.

Shaun Grainger, defending, said Storr gave up his coaching job because of transport issues between his home in Brotton and Eston.

When work opportunities ran out he starting taking drugs.

He became more and more addicted and started supplying Amphetamines to pay for his own drugs.

Mr Grainger said: "He has no previous convictions for drugs.

"He is clear of Amphetamines and is trying to get back into employment, but has difficulty because he does not have fixed accommodation."

The judge told Storr that if he appeared before him again he would not get a second chance.

Judge Peter Bowers said: "Since your arrest in February it seems that you have tried to find some assistance for your drug habit. I'll take a chance with you."

Storr was given a 52-week jail sentence, suspended for two years with supervision and 150 hours' unpaid work after he admitted possession of Amphetamines with intent to supply on February 16, and also to possession of the drug.