CHILDREN at a Worcester school are having lessons in life from a reformed drug addict.

Thomas Quill has been helping his mother at a city school to steer pupils away from a life of crime and heroin.

Droitwich magistrates heard yesterday that 24-year-old Quill was determined to turn his back on drugs.

He admitted possession of the class A drug after a raid on Friday, March 16 at 1.50pm.

"There was a police search at Vicarage Court in Worcester and the defendant was present at the time," said Liz Tweed, prosecuting.

"Brown powder was recovered from a wall unit in the kitchen.

"Powder was also found on fragments of Clingfilm in the bathroom along with drug paraphernalia. He admitted he was a user and the drug in the kitchen was his."

Quill, of Stanley Road, off Wyld's Lane, Worcester, also admitted two charges of failing to surrender to bail in June and August.

"He lost his job after a report in the newspaper but since then he's been assisting his mother who is an education psychologist," said Rob Macrory, defending.

"He's working on a voluntary basis with problem children.

"They can listen to someone like him. He's determined to sort his own life out and help others.

"He hopes it will lead to full-time employment."

Drug possession

Mr Macrory told the court Quill had quite a history with drug possession.

"In the past he hasn't had the motivation to get off heroin," he said.

"He's been in a relationship for some time and she doesn't like him using drugs.

"He wants to put this pattern of offending behind him."

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community rehabilitation order, including a drug group work programme.

He was also ordered to pay £50 fine for the bail offences and £50 court costs.