Drugs discovered on man arrested for assault

Cocaine fell from sock during questioning

A MAN arrested for assault found himself in even deeper trouble when a bag of cocaine fell out of his sock while being questioned at Newbury police station.

Magistrates heard how James Hunt was arrested by officers on Tuesday, June 14, following a fight with his partner.

Prosecuting, Emily Stoddart told Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 14: “During the search he was seen to be fiddling with his sock when a small wrap of white powder fell out.

“The powder was subsequently tested and confirmed to be cocaine.”

Hunt pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug after tests proved the substance to be cocaine, which he had claimed was for his personal use.

The offence of assault by battery was subsequently withdrawn at the request of Hunt’s partner.

The court heard how police were called during the row, which marked the end of a nine-year relationship between Hunt and his partner.

In a statement, the father-of-two, who is now staying with his father in Linden Road, Woodley, admitted that cocaine had become an “issue” during the relationship.

Referring to his ex-partner, he said he thought that she wanted him arrested to deal with his problem.

The court heard how Hunt, who works in the building trade, and had developed a good reputation, had taken positive steps to deal with his drugs problem.

He was now in regular contact with drug and alcohol charity Swanswell.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.