A DRUG addict killed his girlfriend with the £10 wrap of heroin he gave her for her 19th birthday.

Christopher Kenning, 22, went out on April 11 last year to buy some heroin for himself and Karen Harland.

After picking up two £10 wraps from 25-year-old Ian Douglas, he returned home, where he gave her the birthday present.

He then pointed out the vein where she should inject the drugs, and explained to her how to do it.

Ms Harland was found dead at Kenning's house in Urpeth Terrace, High Handenhold, County Durham, on April 13 last year.

Ms Harland had worked as a clerk for Northern Electric at its Team Valley centre, in Gateshead.

Kenning pleaded guilty to her manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

Douglas, of West Street, Grange Villa, admitted supplying the drugs which killed her.

James Goss QC, in mitigation, told the court: "Although he did not inject the heroin on that occasion, he did point out to her where her vein was and explained to her how that injection should be conducted."

Judge Esmond Faulks warned the pair that it was inevitable they would be jailed.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 8 for the preparation of reports.