'I can't do this anymore': Drug dealer handed in heroin at front desk as he gave himself up at Wolverhampton police station

Joseph Lees walked into the station at nine in the morning and confessed to his life of crime.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court this week, Recorder Paul Atkinson described it as 'a quite exceptional case' and spared the 20-year-old an immediate stint behind bars.

Lees, of Castlebridge Road, Wednesfield, walked into Wolverhampton city centre police station at 9am on February 21 and slapped a package on the counter.

When asked what was in the bundle of white tissue, he replied 'brown', which is slang for heroin. He then told the startled desk sergeant: 'I can't do this anymore. I don't take it. I sell it."

He was immediately arrested after 10 £10 wraps of heroin were discovered in the package.

Mr Kevin Saunders, prosecuting, said: "The particulars of this offence are exceptional.

"The defendant looked agitated when he presented himself at the front desk of the police station. Then, without warning, he produced a bundle of white tissues. He was asked about the contents and replied 'brown'."

The mobile phone of Lees was checked but the text messages on it made no mention of drug dealing or heroin although there was reference to cannabis, which he admitted using.

Mr David Bratt, defending, said: "He is only before the court because of his attitude and behaviour in attending the police station. It is hard to think of another case like it.

"Hardened drug dealers do not go into a police station when there is no need, admit to their crime and hand over their stash. This young man is a vulnerable and naive individual."

The defendant has found both a job and settled address since the offence, while also weaning himself off Class A drugs and reducing his cannabis use, it was said.

Lees, who has a previous conviction for possession of cannabis, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and was given nine months detention in a Young Offenders Institution, suspended for two years, with a three-month night time curfew.

Recorder Paul Atkinson told him: "This is a quite exceptional case. There is no evidence that you had a history of dealing Class A drugs. You presented yourself to police and gave them the 10 heroin deals which are the only link to drugs in this case.

"You had a difficult childhood but there are signs you are settling down and the outlook appears positive. The public interest would not be served by sending you into immediate custody."