A heroin addict had to have a package of drugs surgically removed at Noble’s Hospital.

Donal John Tobin, of Marathon Drive, Douglas, swallowed a package of heroin when he was stopped by police on September 24.

Tobin, aged 43, admitted drugs possession and was put on probation for six months.

We previously reported how, on September 24 at 2.20pm, police stopped Tobin while he was driving on Bray Hill, Douglas.

He was said to appear nervous and be swallowing a lot and officers believed he was trying to swallow drugs.

He was taken to accident and emergency but discharged without any drugs being found.

swallowing

However, Tobin later returned to A and E complaining of discomfort in his chest and difficulty swallowing.

He told doctors he had swallowed a package of heroin and it was subsequently surgically removed.

In a police interview Tobin told police he paid £150 for the drug and admitted swallowing it when police stopped him.

The drugs were weighed at 0.8 grams with a value of between £101 and £202.

Defence advocate Rebecca Cubbon said her client had told probation he turned to drugs some years ago after the death of his sister.

‘His record, I have to accept, is unenviable,’ said the advocate.

‘But we would ask the court to accept his offending has slowed down recently.

‘His last offence was in January 2017 when he received a custodial sentence.

seeking help

‘He is seeking help and is desperate to get clean.

‘He realises the impact this has on his family. He is seeing Motiv8 and has found it extremely useful being able to talk to people who face the same addictions.’

Ms Cubbon went on to say that Tobin had been offered an opportunity for specialist treatment off-island.

A probation report said that Tobin had been addicted to heroin for 30 years.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told him: ‘Take the opportunity probation will give you.’

He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.