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Teen in court after 'looking after friend's cocaine'
A TEENAGER was questioned by police after trying to help out a friend by looking after their drugs, a court heard.
Niall Gunter was spotted by a member of staff at Coco nightclub in Eastbourne with a small amount of the Class A drug.
Eastbourne magistrates heard that the 18-year-old had gone into the venue and aroused the suspicion of a member of staff after spending a long amount of time in the toilets.
The staff member then looked into the cubicle and could see him with a plastic bag containing white powder.
Gunter, of Channel View Road, was detained and police were called.
In interview he told officers he had seen a girl he knew with the drug and didn't want her to get into trouble so took the cocaine from her.
He said he was trying to flush it away which was why he was in the toilet for a long period of time.
At a hearing at Eastbourne Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to being in possession of the drug.
Jay Shah, defending, said his client was aware of the dangers of the drug and therefore, was keen to help his friend.
He added, "He did not want his friend to be caught using that drug, he tried to do the right thing but with misguided intentions.
"He pleaded guilty today at the earliest opportunity and I invite you to give him full credit for that.
"My submission would be that the appropriate penalty would be a financial one for this offence."
Gunter was fined 167 and was ordered to pay 85 costs and a victim surcharge of 15.
Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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Wind direction: South east
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Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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