A MAN who told police he was looking after £50 worth of heroin for a friend was prosecuted for possession with intent to supply.

And honesty landed Mark Lee Hollins with a three-month prison sentence when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates.

Hollins, 31, of Surrey Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply.

Liz Parker, defending, said her client was not a drug dealer.

"If he had not told the police the truth he would have been prosecuted for possession and nothing more," said Mrs Parker. "His own honesty has landed him in this position."

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Hollins ran off when he saw a police car in Surrey Road but he was chased and arrested. At the police station a plastic bag containing heroin fell from between his buttocks.

"He said he was looking after it for a friend who he refused to name," said Miss Allan.

"He said his friend had a drug problem and he was holding it for him so his family didn't find out. He said he would give it back to his friend on request."