A HEROIN addict tried to pass off crushed paracetamol tablets as cocaine, a court heard.

Wesley Robinson, 37, pleaded guilty to attempting to supply Class A drugs on New Year’s Eve 2009.

Robinson, of MacArthur Crescent, Bitterne, Southampton, approached the assistant manager of Bedford’s Bar in Bedford Place and tried to sell him cocaine or pills.

Police were called and when they confronted Robinson he threw a blue plastic package to the ground. It was found to contain crushed up paracetamol.

Winchester Crown Court heard that since receiving a suspended sentence in May for a burglary in December, Robinson has not committed any more offences and has been complying with a drug rehabilitation programme.

Recorder Malcolm Gibney handed Robinson a 51-week jail sentence suspended for two years and a nine-month drugs rehabilitation order.

Mr Gibney said: “Your report suggests you are making real progress and I hope you do not appear here again. Rest assured if you appear in front of me you will go to prison.”