A MAN who claimed he found 36 bags of heroin inside a Kinder Egg stored them in his fridge for four years.

Peter Kevin White, 42, of Ewan Close, Barrow, was found guilty of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply after a two-day trial at Barrow Crown Court today (10).

Police found 36 bags of heroin inside a Dairylea tub in White's fridge when they searched his home, then on Greenhill Close, on May 23, 2017.

Alaric Walmsley, prosecuting, said: "He admits being in possession of the drugs but says he found them four years ago after getting off a bus near FGH.

"He said they were inside a Kinder Egg lying on the street when he kicked it and realised there was something inside.

"Police also found digital scales which he told them was for measuring out his cannabis for personal use."

When interviewed by police following the search, White denied ever using heroin.

In extracts read out to jurors, he told police: "I know it is horrible stuff and it's deadly. That is why I steer clear of it.

"I guessed what it was when I opened it because I have seen those kind of bags on programmes like CSI.

"I don't swim in those circles. I steer clear of people like that because they're the kind of people who will kick your head in."

White told jurors: "I'd guessed it was heroin judging by how it was wrapped.

"As soon as I saw it I knew, I was responsible for it. I didn't want to leave it there because it was dangerous stuff so I knew I had to get rid of it. I didn't want them to fall into the wrong hands.

"I don't know why I didn't throw them away. I have a tendency to hoard things. I've got a lot of carrier bags in the cupboard and old milk bottles.

"My intention was always to take it to the police when I found it but I didn't see an opportunity to hand it to them then I forgot it was there.

"I was never going to sell them. That would've just been asking for trouble."

White pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug but stood trial after denying intention to supply.

Jurors took two-and-a-half hours to reach a unanimous verdict in the case, finding White guilty of possession with intent to supply.

He was bailed and will return to the court on January 19 to be sentenced.