A FORMER heroin addict who pioneered a national programme to stop drug users reoffending was jailed for four months yesterday.

Michael James Jacques, 22, of Nickstream Lane, Darlington, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court to possessing amphetamines and cannabis and for carrying a lock-knife.

Jacques had been the first offender in South Durham to complete a programme designed to stop people re-offending.

He had also attended drug rehabilitation and had remained heroin-free, but had since developed an addiction to amphetamines and was taking them intravenously.

The court heard how Jacques had owned up to his crimes and was hoping a prison sentence would help him.

His solicitor, Zoe Passfield, told the court: "This is quite an unusual case, as Michael has asked to be dealt with in no other way than by an immediate custodial sentence. He is admitting that the only way forward is a period of incarceration."

When Jacques was stopped and searched on May 26, police found amphetamine worth £20, a hypodermic needle, and cannabis of a nominal value.

When he was searched again on June 6, a wooden-handled lock-knife with a two-and-a-half-inch blade was found.

Maureen Sibert, from the Probation Service, said that she had known Jacques and his family for three years. He had a heroin addiction when she met him and was placed on a five-day drug treatment programme at Harrogate.

He had been the first offender in South Durham to complete the Think First programme.

Ms Sibert added: "He repaid us handsomely, he remained heroin- free and still is heroin free and takes blockers to stop the euphoric effect of the drug.

"If you give something up, often you replace it with another thing. In Michael's case to begin with this was driving cars illegally and then amphetamines was the replacement. Unfortunately this has no chemical treatment."

Ron Pearson, chairman of the magistrates, said: "I don't have a lot of choice in sending you into custody. We need to protect the public."

Ms Sibert added she would try to ensure Jacques was given drug rehabilitation in prison, and said he would get support when he was released.