A DESPERATE dad risked his own freedom to take drugs to his heroin addict son inside prison.

William Thompson had already re-mortgaged his home to pay for detox programmes and suffered the break-up of his marriage during his son's decade long addiction to the deadly drug.

But the devoted father went a step further on December 2 last year when he risked his own liberty after a phone call from his son begging for help.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 47-year-old took Subutex, a Class C drug used as a heroin substitute, to his son who was serving time in Acklington prison in Northumberland.

Thompson, of Greenhill Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Peterlee, admitted possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply.

The court heard how taking drugs into prison is ordinarily met by an immediate jail term.

But Mr Recorder Martin Bethel today took pity on Thompson and suspended his sentence.

Defence barrister Glen Gatland had told the court: "He has done everything a father could possibly do to try and wean his son off this terrible, terrible curse he has.

"He remortgaged his own home to pay for detox programmes, such was his desperation to try and get his son off heroin."

Mr Gatland said Thompson agreed to smuggle in the drugs after a desperate call from his son saying he "just could not continue".

References from friends and colleagues described Thompson as "a kind, thoughtful, helpful neighbour and colleague who would do anything for anybody".

THe court heard how since the son was released from prison he has managed to come off heroin and has been prescribed medication to help him kick his habit for good.

Mr Recorder Bethel sentenced Thompson to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The judge told him: "You have for many years, and to considerable personal and financial loss to yourself, sought to fight your son's heroin addiction.

"Yours is a wholly exceptional case.

"You have come as close as anyone can come to going to prison.

"I wish you and your son well in keeping him off heroin, with all the dreadful consequences addiction to heroin has."