A DRUG addict was told by a judge yesterday that he had thrown away his last chance of liberty.

Dean McFarlane, 25, of Napier Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to possessing 20 wraps of heroin for his own use.

The cache was found hidden under a bedside cabinet in a police search of his Darlington home, said John Gillettee, prosecuting.

Judge Peter Fox, QC, told McFarlane that he had been fortunate to be allowed his freedom when he was convicted of possessing heroin with intent to supply others in 1999.

The judge said: "You were given probation and you have blown it."

McFarlane, a production line worker at a food factory, was jailed for 18 months.

Police found £268 in cash on him during their raid last July 26 and he was ordered to pay that amount towards prosecution costs.