A former soldier who was caught dealing heroin at a North-East hospital has been told he will be jailed.

Dustin Robinson was arrested in February after hospital security guards saw him handing over a package to a patient in return for cash, a court heard yesterday.

Staff at Darlington Memorial Hospital called police, and Robinson was found to be in possession of eight foil wraps of heroin and one of amphetamine. Officers also found an unused hypodermic needle in his jacket pocket. At Darlington Magistrate's Court yesterday, the 32-year-old heroin addict, of Station Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of narcotics and one charge of possession with intent to supply.

Magistrates warned Robinson to expect a custodial sentence at his next hearing.

The court heard he had no drug-related convictions.

Rory Todd, mitigating, said: "He (Robinson) does have a heroin problem.

"His last conviction was in April 2005, during which time he has reduced his drug use.

"On this day in February, he was visiting a friend at hospital. He was having a cigarette outside when he was approached by another male visitor who was also a heroin addict. He was asked if he could get some heroin and he agreed to sell him one wrap for £10. He accepts he has been foolish and that this is a serious matter."

Robinson was given unconditional bail and ordered to return to Newton Aycliffe court for sentencing on June 5.