A DRUG dealer caught with around 35 wraps of heroin in his pockets may be given a second chance by a judge.

Stephen Norgrove, of Fraser Road in Poole, will be assessed for a drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) - which could mean he is spared a prison sentence.

However, Judge Adam Feest has told the defendant he may still be sent to prison in late October when he returns to Bournemouth Crown Court, and said he must find a way to kick his drug habit.

Norgrove, 39, was arrested on May 23 when two police officers patrolling the overcliff in Bournemouth stopped a vehicle about which they had received intelligence.

The defendant was the rear seat passenger. When he got out of the car, he "threw or dropped" an item in his hand.

This was later discovered to be heroin.

A total of £1,100 in notes was also discovered in his jumper and trouser pockets.

Judge Feest raised concerns that Norgrove had admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and was not instead charged with possession of heroin with intent to supply it.

Prosecutor James Kellam said: "It can look like a lesser offence on record, I acknowledge."

Norgrove has no previous convictions for supplying drugs, it was heard. However, he does have drug offences on his record.

Robert Grey. mitigating, said the defendant has an "entrenched heroin problem" dating back some 12 years.

"I am asking your honour to adjourn or defer for him to demonstrate motivation," said the barrister.

"He wants to get off heroin. If he doesn't demonstrate motivation in six to eight weeks, what's lost?

"He goes to prison for whatever the tariff is."

Judge Feest agreed Norgrove should be considered for a DRR, but warned the defendant he could still be handed a "lengthy custodial sentence".

"Show your own motivation to dealing with your drug addiction," the judge told Norgrove.

"When you come back, there is no guarantee at all you won't be going to prison.

"Anybody who has 30 to 35 wraps [of heroin] and this amount of cash is in my view a significant drug dealer."

The defendant will return to the court for sentence on October 20.