A WEST Cumbrian man swallowed a plastic bag containing drugs "in a moment of madness" - a court heard.

Ross Anthony Hardy, of Burnmoor Avenue in Whitehaven, was handed a fine when he appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

Hardy, 35, admitted intentionally obstructing a PC Bardini in the exercise of his power under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, told magistrates that on December 30 Hardy was found by officers heavily under the effect of an unknown drug at Mirehouse, Whitehaven, in the early hours of the morning.

He was taken to the town's police station for a full search.

Mrs Jackson said: "During the search, a small clear bag containing five or six tablets was found.

"He pulled his hand away from officers, grabbed the tablets and stuffed them into his mouth and chewed the tablets.

"He swallowed that and the plastic bag in a clear attempt to destroy evidence."

She added Hardy had last been before the court in 2018 for possession of drugs.

Ian Nacollis, defending, said the defendant admitted he had behaved like an idiot.

"Up until the point of snatching the bag off the desk, he had been cooperative.

"He went to the police station, but unfortunately officers put the bag with the tablets within his reach and in a moment of madness he snatched them and ate them.

"He told officers almost immediately what they were."

Mr Nancollis did not specify what substance his client had ingested.

He said the defendant had admitted the offence during the interview, although he made no comment to other questions.

He added: "He was asked: 'Do you remember grabbing the tablets?'.

"He responded: 'Sort of'. When asked why, he said: 'Because I'm an idiot'.

"An opportunity presented itself and in a matter of seconds he grabbed them and swallowed them, that's beyond rectification.

"He was found with some cannabis a few years ago, but he's not a person who troubles the court anymore and he regrets his actions."

Hardy was ordered to pay a fine of £80.

Magistrates also told him he must pay a £32 victim surcharge and £85 costs.