A New Quay man who hid cocaine in his underpants was warned he was heading for 'deep problems' when he appeared in court last week.

Sam Harries, aged 22, of 6 Cwm Ifor, New Quay, pleaded guilty to possession of the Class A drug when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that police on patrol in Aberystwyth at 2.40am on March 15 spotted Harries coming out of an alleyway and putting his hand into his underpants.

The defendant was searched and 0.24g of cocaine was found wrapped in a £10 note in his underwear.

When interviewed Harries said he planned to use the drug himself, adding that he was sorry for his actions, and was never going to do it again.

Alison Mathias, defending, told the court her client worked for a roofing company, and was doing weekend overtime and had taken up a hobby to keep himself occupied and away from the town.

The presiding magistrate said: “You are descending into a habit of taking illegal substances. You had better take stock and think about the road you are going down.

“You had better take a good look at yourself, if you carry on like this you are going to get into deep problems that are going to affect your health and future employment.”

Harries was fined £220, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £22 victim surcharge. A destruction order was made for the drugs.