A SECURITY guard stole drugs to help his heroin-addicted brother, a court heard.

Sean Catchpole, 37, of Victoria Street, Newport, Barnstaple, appeared at the Crown Court in Barnstaple on Friday, July 16.

The court heard that between November, 2009, and April, 2010, Catchpole had been working as a night security officer at the Actavis pharmaceutical factory at Whiddon Valley in Barnstaple.

When his employers suspected that he was stealing tablets police executed a search warrant at his home and discovered a holdall full of the Class C drug diazepam.

Mr Catchpole admitted that he had taken the diazepam from a container at the factory and was planning to send it to his brother in Newquay who was trying to overcome a heroin addiction.

Terry Holder defending said: "This is a sad day for my client. He has never been in trouble before but has now lost both his good name and his job.

"We know that the bag in which the drugs were found was labelled and addressed to his brother in Newquay.

"His brother had asked to be provided with the drug to help him kick his heroin habit. At the factory the diazepam was sitting there staring him in the face and regrettably he took it."

Catchpole had earlier pleaded guilty at North Devon Magistrates' Court to theft and possessing 937 diazepam tablets with intent to supply.

The court heard that Catchpole, who was also employed as a nightclub doorman in Barnstaple, supports his wife and six-year-old daughter.

Terry Holder said: "This was his first mistake and these proceedings are totally alien to him.

"He is a hard worker and a family man who has a mortgage and responsibilities to live up to. A custodial sentence would put his family at great risk of losing their home."

Recorder Michael Selfe said: "When I first looked at this case I was minded to give you one year in prison. You have caused great damage.

"However, I am now persuaded to suspend that sentence for two years and impose 150 hours of unpaid work.

"Should you fail to comply with this order you will be in prison so fast that your feet won't touch the ground.

"Now go away and support your family."