A MAN seen ‘acting suspiciously’ behind a church social club was found with a syringe dropped at his feet.

Police were called after Aaron Jones, 28, was seen to the rear of St Begh’s Social Club on Coach Road in Whitehaven on June 1, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said it had been suggested that Jones was injecting drugs. There was a syringe that had been dropped at his feet.

Jones was searched by police and some capsules were found in his pocket. They were Pregabalin tablets.

During the course of his arrest, Jones became ‘increasingly drowsy’. He was taken to hospital and placed on bail. Ms Fee said the defendant did not answer bail and was then charged with the offence.

He had nine previous drug offences on his record, the court was told.

John Cooper, defending, said it was a ‘very small amount’ and a guilty plea had been entered at the first opportunity.

Jones, of The Gardens, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to possessing a class C drug.

He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge.