REGULAR ecstasy users can pop as many as 10 pills in a night, Worcester magistrates were told.

The figure came to light during the sentencing of city man Andrew White who was caught with 21 tablets in his possession.

Justices were told tolerance to the drug builds up and means revellers take even more of it.

White, who was stopped in Angel Place with 21 of his "favourite" ecstasy tablets, told police he took four tablets in an evening and seven on special occasions. The Crown Prosecution Service elected not to charge him with possession with intent to supply.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting, said evidence from a forensic scientist suggested it was not unusual for 10 to 20 tablets to be taken over a weekend and 10 or more during the course of a single evening.

Twenty-six-year-old White from Malvern Road, Worcester, was stopped by a police officer at 9.40pm on Thursday, August 3.

"He asked him if he had anything on him because he intended to search him," said Mr Cunningham.

"He said 'yes some pills for the weekend - they're E's'."

White was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply but in interview denied he was dealing.

"He said they were his favourite E's and he had bought 20 of them for £60 just before he was arrested," added Mr Cunningham.

"He said he would take a minimum of four a night and up to seven, depending on the occasion, on one night."

Barry Newton, defending, said his client held a full time responsible job and that though it was potentially highly dangerous, had made a decision to use the drug.

"It is his choice to use the drug," he said.

"He is aware of the dangers. He is not stupid and the only potential victim is him."

Magistrates, who read pre-sentence reports on White, accepted that the drugs were for his own use and issued him with a 12-month probation order and ordered him to pay £118 costs.