A MAN suffering from coeliac disease has claimed he used amphetamines to give himself energy.

Tino Balbini, a sufferer from the gluten and wheat intolerance, made the claim when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. He admitted possessing ‘speed’, a class B drug, which was found at his Hanley Swan, Worcestershire home.

Magistrates heard officers had gone to Balbini’s home looking for stolen goods on Wednesday, November 4.

Balbini, aged 48, told officers about the drug which was being kept in plastic bags on a dresser next to his bed and said he had bought an ounce for about £75.

Officers discovered between five and seven grams of the white powder. Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said: “He has coeliac disease, a wheat and gluten intolerance which leads to very low energy levels.

“That can lead to him feeling extremely low and lethargic.” Mr Gaynor-Smith said: “I hope you will see this as being a bit of a one-off.

“He should go and see his GP for a legal prescription or medication he could use.

“It was a very small quantity which is only for very occasional use.

“It’s very much like the person who uses cannabis who suffers from extreme pain.”

Mr Gaynor-Smith said Balbini, of Robert’s End, had become particularly low after an extremely acrimonious break-up with his wife where her three children had elected to live with him.

He said Balbini had been the victim of violence and aggression by his wife who was now subject to a civil court order to keep away.

He added that police had found no evidence of any stolen items at the house and the search warrant had been a complete mistake.

Magistrates fined Balbini £65 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.