A FURNESS man led police on a foot chase after throwing away a class B drug.

Reece Darren Dixon, admitted two charges of possessing cannabis when he appeared in the dock at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that police had stopped the 19-year-old in Barrow only for him to attempt to run away.

Eventually he gave in to police and showed officers where had thrown the drugs, magistrates were told.

The court heard that Dixon’s drug use had recently increased after being furloughed from his place of work during the coronavirus crisis.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said the offence was committed on May 6 in the Ainslie Street area of the town.

“He tried to run away from police officers on to Harrogate Street,” Mr Dacre said.

The defendant then surrendered to the police.

“He showed them the location where he had thrown some cannabis.

“The amount was entirely consistent with personal use.”

The prosecutor described how the defendant had then been stopped again by police on May 18.

He said: “The defendant was spotted driving a vehicle. There was a search of that vehicle and officers found cannabis in the central console.

Defending, Michael Graham said: “There has been a real issue with his personal life and he was furloughed from his place of employment.”

He said Dixon had since returned to work and received a promotion.

“He is ready to put this behind him and move on with his life,” Mr Graham said.

Dixon, of Station Road in Dalton, was handed two £166 fines, costs of £85 and an £85 victim surcharge.

Magistrate Robert Maddock ordered the drugs to be forfeited and destroyed.