A MAN from Askam took class C drugs in a desperate bid to numb the pain after putting his leg through a floorboard.

Daniel Robert Taylor, 28, of Marsh Street, Askam, pleaded guilty to possessing diazepam at Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told the court how on August 23 in the early hours of the morning, police searched Taylor's house and recovered two bundles of diazepam blister packs containing a total of 336 tablets.

Taylor then told officers that the drugs were for personal use and that he took the tablets as a form of pain relief after putting his leg through a floorboard.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said: "Last year he was involved in a nasty accident where his leg went through a floorboard. He has had surgery and stitches but has had three physiotherapy appointments cancelled.

"In his desperation he spoke to a friend about the pain he was in and said that his medication that he had been prescribed was not doing enough.

"His friend passed items through the door so he has given them to the defendant who accepts that he has taken them to try and reduce the pain.
"It is a genuine attempt to reduce the pain that he is suffering from. He has pressed for further physio which he is now getting in November."

Taylor was fined £60 by presiding magistrate Mrs Catherine Alexander. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Mrs Alexander also ordered for the drugs to be destroyed.