HULL'S most senior judge has told a heroin addict he was going to keep a "personal eye" on his recovery.
Liam Lee, 30, was caught with a small quantity of the drug M-Cat after being stopped and searched by police in Kirk Ella on October 28.
During a hearing at Hull Crown Court, it emerged Lee had a long history of heroin addiction.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC told Lee, of Marton Grove in north Hull, he could have jailed him, but insisted the public would better be served by ensuring he is rehabilitated.
Lee was given an 18-month drug- rehabilitation requirement and must attend court for reviews, in front of Judge Richardson, with the first on January 9.
Ordering Lee to leave the dock and stand in the witness box, Judge Richardson said: "I want you to see you clearly.
"I want to read good things in reports.
"I am being very generous in not sending you straight to jail now.
"The long-term interest for the public will be served by you being cured of your addiction."
Addressing Lee, Judge Richardson asked about his background and addiction.
"I have been on heroin for ten years, sir," said Lee.
"I have been surrounded by it all my life."
Judge Richardson said: "Now, look. You are 30 years old. You are a young man.
"Unless you conquer your addiction, two things will happen. You will kill yourself and you will cause more crime and more problems for the public. I do not want those things to happen.
"I am taking a risk on you.
"I am having you back to see me on a regular basis so I can keep a personal eye on what is going on."
Claire Holmes, prosecuting, said Lee had been charged with attempting to possess a small amount of M-Cat, as opposed to possession, due to the quantity involved.
She said: "It was a very small amount. It could not be tested, so it's an offence of attempting to possess M-Cat."
Stephen Robinson, mitigating, said: "My client is trying his best to give up drugs. He realises it is time to give them up.
"He has some intelligence and hopes to make something of himself, but it's been a rocky road."
Judge Richardson warned of the dangers of M-Cat.
He said: "It is a very vicious drug with ghastly consequences for those who take it."
Addressing Lee, Judge Richardson said: "I have greater insight than most. M-Cat is a dreadful drug. Do not go near it."
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