A COCAINE abuser walked into a police station to confess to supplying the drug.

Kiel Johnson, 20, produced four bags of cocaine from his pocket and claimed he had been dealing in it for seven years.

But Durham Crown Court heard that he made the confession as he was being threatened by his own suppliers due to mounting debts.

It emerged he bought the drug in bulk and sold some among friends.

David Wilkinson, prosecuting, said a search of his home revealed equipment for drug supply, including re-sealable plastic bags and scales, from which traces of cocaine were found.

Mr Wilkinson said while on bail, Johnson was seen by police in a car, in which was found a bag of cocaine, while a further house search revealed a second bag.

When interviewed, he admitted using cocaine for four years and initially denied selling any.

Mr Wilkinson told the court: "He said he made the earlier claim that he dealt in drugs to get himself locked up and the confession simply wasn't true."

But he later admitted supplying a small amount to friends.

The court heard that he was given a community punishment order for possessing the drug with intent to supply, in April 2004.

Aisha Wadoodi, mitigating, said: "He sealed his own fate by walking into the police station that day. I'm told he was in fear of his life. He said had a drug debt of £2,000."

Johnson, of Greenhead, Crook, admitted possessing with intent to supply, possession and supplying cocaine.

Imposing an 18-month sentence in a young offenders' institution, Judge Tony Lancaster told him: "You will be aware of the destructive effect the drug has on the lives of families and individuals, and the far-reaching consequences on society as a whole."