POLICE stopped a driver for his “erratic driving” only to find 20 wraps of heroin he was intending to sell in his car.

Benedict Lacki, 41, of Rosemount Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply in West Cliff Road on September 28, 2020.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing.

Prosecuting, Stuart Ellacott told the court: “The defendant was seen driving a Vauxhall Astra, the manner of such driving caused police to stop that vehicle.

“There followed a search of the vehicle and located in the right trouser pocket of the defendant was some cash and from a bag 20 wraps turned out to be 1.6g of heroin valued at £200, the cash was £110.

“Located in the passenger footwell was a small tin which contained a total of nine wraps, this is the 1.35g of crack cocaine, the possession count.

“A search was undertaken of his home address, a further bag was found containing 9.95g of heroin valued at £1,240.”

Mr Ellacott said the defendant was interviewed where he gave full admissions and confirmed he was on his way to sell the drugs when he was stopped.

Lacki told officers he had been given the drugs by a known dealer to sell in return of cocaine, a drug he was addicted to.

Mitigating, Robert Grey said Lacki was of previous good character and was threatened with violence if he didn’t sell the drugs.

He said the defendant’s “vulnerability was exploited” and called for a suspended sentence to be imposed.

Recorder Nicholas Haggan QC sentenced Lacki to two years imprisonment for intent to supply heroin and two months for possession of cocaine, to be served concurrently. The sentence was suspended for two years.

He said: “You pleaded guilty on the basis you were threatened with violence by a known drug dealer.

“You said you were given instructions by the dealer as to who you should give the drugs to.

“Your vulnerability was exploited. It is very sad to see you before the court charged with such a serious offence.

“If you commit any further offence, you will be brought back to the court, it is inevitable you will serve that sentence.”

A forfeiture and destruction order was placed on the drugs and the cash and Lacki was ordered to carry out 20 rehabilitation requirement days and 200 hours unpaid work.