A BARROW man did a runner from police after he bought three bags of cocaine.

Tomas Kai Downing, of Mardale Grove, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday).

The 20-year-old was pulled over by police in the early hours of September 29.

He fled the scene but was later arrested and a search at Barrow Police Station found three bags of cocaine in his boxer shorts.

Defence solicitor Mike Graham said: "He has a lot of personal problems but is engaging with Unity and is now living in independent accommodation for the first time."

Downing, who the court heard has a lengthy criminal record, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.