HEROIN addict John Rodney said he acquired a sports bag which was found to contain drugs paraphernalia, a court heard.

The 42 year-old told a jury he didn't know how the items got there.

Rodney, of Burbage Road, Penhill, denies possessing the Class A drug cocaine with intent to supply on July 9.

He told a jury at Swindon Crown Court that he had been a drug user for five to eight years, and was a registered heroin addict.

He said he had been staying in a flat in Swindon for about two days in July.

Rodney said: "I don't know if I took drugs there. I didn't take drugs there to sell."

He denied that a cellophane bag containing crack cocaine, found by police at the flat was his or anything to do with him.

And he added that items in a bag which included scales and knives were not put there by him.

Defending, Ian Dixey asked him about money found by police in the flat.

Rodney said: "When the door went in it was obviously a raid. People started chucking money on the floor.

"I got down on my knees and stuffed it in my pocket. It was the money my fiance and I were going to use to get married."

Prosecuting, Alan Fuller asked why Rodney was in possession of £1,000.

Rodney said it was because it was not safe to leave it at his home but the main reason was he could use it to buy drugs.

Janet Fitzpatrick, Rodney's fiance, told the court the couple had saved £1,000 for their wedding.

The case continues