A NORTH-EAST man was caught by plain clothes police with 78 Ecstasy tablets in his pockets.

Sean Michael Walsh, 18, was arrested as he left the Castle Wall wine bar, in Barnard Castle.

Teesside Crown Court heard that a further 41 tablets were discovered when officers searched his home in Harmire Road, Barnard Castle.

Walsh was sent to a young offenders' institution for three years, as his mother wept in the courtroom, after pleading guilty to a charge of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Defending solicitor Greg Purcell said Walsh was a stupid young man who began using the drug for recreation and then selling it to friends.