POLICE caught an East Devon man dealing heroin in an alleyway when he was already on bail for possessing the drug, Exeter Crown Court has heard.

Howard Dwyer, 31, of King Street, Honiton, was given a year in prison, suspended for two years, at Exeter Crown Court on Friday. He was ordered to get help to kick his habit as part of his sentence.

The court heard he had only become a drug addict in recent years and turned to dealing to fund his own habit.

Dwyer, who appeared in custody, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply. He also admitted possessing heroin and cannabis in a separate incident.

Prosecutor Alexander Allsop said police used a search warrant to raid Dwyer's home on October 9 last year. They discovered 0.17g of heroin and 2.24g of cannabis and he admitted possession, on the basis that it was for personal use.

While he was on bail, police spotted Dwyer in an alley near his home, on January 20.

Mr Allsop said: "Police saw someone they believe to be a drug user and Howard Dwyer in an alley. They saw the defendant place a small green packet on a fencepost."

The packet contained 25g of heroin. Police then searched his home and found £100 of cash and a plastic bag, similar to the one containing the drugs.

Defence counsel Terence Holder said: "The defendant did not get into drugs until relatively late in life. This is rather a wake up call, as he has been in custody."

Recorder Sarah Munro QC told Dwyer that he was lucky to avoid going straight to jail. She added he must have a year's supervision and have a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement and monthly reviews in court.