Sunderland 'archangel' ends up in court after taking friend's drugs

But fellow psychiatric hospital patient Billy Carter, 35, now of Finchale Close, near Sunderland city centre, turned from would-be hero to villain when he kept the Valium tablets himself.

He was searched soon after by police called to Hopewood Park hospital, in Ryhope, Sunderland, by worried staff on Wednesday, November 27 last year.

Carter has now pleaded guilty to possession of the Class C drug on appearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Jonathan Hanratty said: “He was searched at the hospital. He was forthcoming when interviewed.”

Jason Smith, defending, described Carter as “an archangel” for trying to help his friend.

He added: “He was sectioned at the time in Hopewood Park for psychosis and other problems he suffered from.

“His friend was found slumped over a chair when he took these drugs from him.

“He’s taken them so that his friend couldn’t take any more. A sweep of the place is done and the drugs are found.

“He was not well at the time. He was extremely unwell.”

Carter was dealt with by the same court in February on another matter, for which he was made subject to a community order.

Magistrates were told he owed the court £1,065, including £170 in unpaid Metro rail fares, in costs and other charges from previous offending.

For his latest offence, he was given a six-month conditional discharge to run alongside his existing community order and must pay a £21 victim surcharge. There were no court costs.

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