A MAN was found with cocaine and cannabis in his car after being stopped by police.

Aaron David Kingston, 29, of The Maylons, Benfleet, appeared in Basildon Magistrates Court yesterday to admit charges relating to an incident on Tuesday, May 25.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, said: “He was driving to Tesco in Pitsea to do shopping. The police were speaking to him about another matter, during which the police smelt cannabis from the car.”

Ivan Duncan-Smith, defending, told the court Mr Kingston has sought help for his cocaine problems. He also added he was a hard-working man with a girlfriend and a baby due in October. He said Mr Kingston was willing to work overtime to pay for the court fines.

Mr Duncan-Smith said: “He is a highly experienced and capable individual. He was given an apprenticeship by his cousins.”

He added: “But sometimes you fall in with the wrong individuals and you slip into oblivion.”

The magistrate, Mr Richard Albon, stated his crimes were “serious enough” “Because of mitigation we have decided to deal with this matter financially. You are very lucky.” He was handed a £735 fine.