A MAN who clubbed together with friends so they could cut the cost of their cocaine use has been jailed.
The Class A drug was found after a search of Steven Devine's home in Mansell Crescent, Peterlee, led police to look through the garage at his parent's house in nearby Eskdale Walk on May 1.
Durham Crown Court was told how cocaine, found hidden i
nside a Celebrations chocolate box, had a 31 per cent purity and was worth £1,108, but would have been worth £3,000 once cut.
The search of the garage also uncovered a "substantial amount" of benzocaine, which is used as a cutting agent, latex gloves and self-seal carrier bags, with a further amounts of weaker cocaine worth £224 also found.
In interview the dad-of-three told officers it was amphetamine that had been bought for personal use.
However, it was later confirmed to be cocaine, with investigations showing he and a group of friends had bought the drugs to share out.
He admitted to possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
The court had been told Devine, 29, who became involved with cocaine three years ago and has since sought help for the abuse, hoped to take up a job after picking up a health and safety certificate.
But, he was jailed for 16 months as the judge, Mr Recorder Jonathan Carroll, branded Class A drugs as "evil".
He said: "You pleaded guilty on the basis that you and a group of friends had effectively taken the decision to buy in bulk cocaine to share.
"It was on the basis it was not for commercial gain.
"You have a partner and three children and it's a pity that stability could not have been the factor to seek help for your addiction, although I have seen you have taken steps to address that.
"I hope these efforts continue to better your future.
"I have thought anxiously whether I can suspend this sentence, I can't, this offending is so serious only a custodial sentence will suffice."
