Police searching a Kidderminster home for drugs heard the voice of their own control room.

A radio scanner was illegally tuned to their network, Kidderminster magistrates heard. Wayne Cleavely, 25, of Jubilee Drive, admitted possession of the radio equipment and of heroin worth £20.

Cleavely acquired the scanner out of curiosity, his solicitor, Alan Bull, told the court. Someone else tuned it to the police broadcast. The heroin was a small amount and he was receiving help in breaking the habit. He was fined £70, with £50 costs.