DRUG user Julian Flippance, who was fined for possession of heroin, told North West Wiltshire magistrates on Monday he uses it once or twice a week for a kick.

Flippance, 32, of Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to possession of 0.1g of heroin on March 12.

He was fined £95 and ordered to pay £55 costs. Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said Flippance was stopped in a routine drugs search on Hungerdown Lane just after 5pm on March 12.

"The officer took hold of his wrist and as he did she saw him throw a silver foil wrap on to grass behind him," said Ms Hewitt.

Flippance told the officer he did not have any more drugs on him.

The contents of the foil wrap were examined at Melksham police station, and contained 0.1g of brown powder, which tested positive for heroin.

The street value was £10.

During a police interview, Flippance said he had bought the heroin earlier in the day for £10, but refused to name the dealer.

Ms Hewitt said Flippance had convictions for previous offences, but none were drug-related.

Flippance admitted using drugs since he was 13, progressing to heroin from amphetamines, but said he was not an addict. "I do it for a kick once or twice a week but I am not addicted to it."