A HOMELESS man found with cocaine has been fined by Aberystwyth magistrates.

Luke Jennings, 20, admitted possession of 0.36 grammes of cocaine which magistrates heard had a street value of around £18.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said Jennings had been arrested by police for an unrelated incident, but while in the police station, the wrap of cocaine fell out of his trousers. Jennings admitted in an interview that it was cocaine.

Defence solicitor Stephen Welch said the cocaine had been given to Jennings by a friend for his own use.

He said Jennings regretted taking it, but that he had admitted what it was to police to avoid police having to test the powder.

Mr Welch said Jennings was currently homeless and had no income as there was a problem with a benefit application, but that Jennings was hoping to find work soon.

Magistrates fined Jennings £40, but he will also have to pay costs of £105.