A MAN caught with drugs hidden in a Kinder egg has been jailed for 20 months.

Mashooq Uddin was found to have both crack cocaine and heroin in his possession.

He had bought the illegal substances for himself and for friends, Preston Crown Court heard.

The 21 year old of Maple Street, Blackburn, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of heroin.

Mr John Bailey, prosecuting, said Uddin was seen walking on Ash Street, Blackburn, in July last year.

He appeared very nervous and was approached by the police.

After a search he was found to have a Kinder egg in a jeans pocket that contained seven pieces of crack cocaine and three small wraps of heroin.

At the same time, he had £80 cash on him and a mobile phone.

Mr John Jackson, defending, said Uddin had previously left his employment for reasons wholly unconnected with the offences.

"He found himself wandering about the streets. As it was said many years ago, the Devil makes work for idle hands and sure enough, this is what happened.

"The heroin was for his own use. The cocaine was for him and his friends.

"He has accepted responsibility for his offending and realises the likely consequences.

"From the way his parents have dealt with him since his arrest, he is no longer dependent or considering the use of drugs."

Uddin had pleaded guilty on the basis that he had been using drugs for two weeks and had bought substances for himself and some friends.

The supply of crack cocaine had been for only around a week, Mr Jackson added.

Judge Pamela Badley told him "It is a tragedy to see a young man of a good background, who clearly has strong family ties and everything going for him, in trouble like this."

The minimum term she could impose was 20 months, but she felt that upon his release Uddin would have a good future.