A MAN who had a heroin stash ready to share out with his friends has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jason Holmes, 33, had "an abundance of small plastic bags," on him when he was searched at a police station -- and three more fell out of his trousers.

Holmes, of Elm Street, Nelson, who is now taking steps to beat his addiction, was given a 12-month drug treatment and testing order after earlier admitting possessing heroin with intent to supply.

Recorder Martin Walsh told him that normally those who committed such offences went to jail for many years, but the supply was not commercial and the defendant had planned to share out the haul with his friends.

The judge added that Holmes clearly had a long standing drug problem but he was motivated to try to kick his habit with help that was being offered .

Recorder Walsh told the defendant he was being given an opportunity and should make the best use of it.

Jane Woosey, prosecuting, told the court thatthe defendant's premises was searched and police noticed several pieces of burned tin foil with brown residue and syringes.

The defendant was taken to Colne police station and an abundance of small plastic bags were found on him.

Miss Woosey said the drugs found in the bags was heroin with a purity of between 52 and 54 per cent. The total amount was 4.41grammes, worth £259.