A FORMER Worcester City Council mechanic stashed £1,200 of drugs behind his fireplace, a jury heard.

Dean Hallett first told police that a "druggie" had lived in the house before him.

But he later admitted the amphetamine was his and that he bought it in bulk to save money, said Graham Cliff, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Hallett, aged 24, of Dove Close, Ronkswood, denies possession of 232g of amphetamine with intent to supply.

Police searched his address on Thursday, December 13, and found the drugs in bags inside a glass jar behind loose bricks in his fireplace.

Hallett lost his job three months earlier and had been living off his £4,000 savings.

Scientific analysis of the jar showed that tape which sealed the lid matched tape found in Hallett's holdall.

A manufacturer's code on the jar showed it was packed in August last year, six months after he moved in.

Hallett then confessed he had bought the amphetamine and had used it since losing his job.

In a statement read out in court, PC Adrian Weaver described how Hallett picked up the jar while officers were searching other rooms.

Police seized plastic bags from behind the fireplace and the lounge.

Mr Cliff told the jury Hallett intended to supply the drugs to other people.

The trial continues.