POLICE found thousands of anti-depressant tablets when they raided the homes of two friends, a court heard today.

Aaron Charlton and Antony O'Connor, both aged 22, denied they were drug dealers and insisted they had the pills for legitimate reasons.

Three thousand of the tiny blue tablets were found in three bags in Charlton's bedroom and he claimed he was taking them for back pain.

Police found 1,000 of the 50p pills in O'Connor's house, and he said he used them to help alleviate pain he was suffering as the result of a car accident.

Charlton, of Cragston Close, and O'Connor, of St Mawes Close, both Hartlepool, admitted possessing Class C drugs with intent to supply.

Judge George Moorhouse gave them each a six-month prison sentence suspended for a year after hearing they had both shown remorse.

The pals were also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work for the community, and pay £200 towards the cost of the case.

Judge Moorhouse told them: "You must have read many times in the newspapers the serious affect that drugs have on people.

"You both come from very respectable families and both of you are of good character and are hard-working young men.

"The warning has to go out to people who meddle with drugs, at whatever level, that it's a very serious offence."

O'Connor also admitted possessing a Class A drug, a small amount of cocaine for personal use which was found during the police search, but no separate penalty was imposed.

Colin Harvey, mitigating, told Teesside Crown Court that the electrical engineer had tried to get a prescription for his chest pains, but was refused.

"He got involved in this amongst a small circle of friends," said Mr Harvey. "He took a short-cut and is paying for it now."

Robin Denny, for Charlton, said he had bought the drugs for £40 a bag, and kept hold of them despite being warned by others not to.