A drug addict from Greenhithe has been jailed for eight weeks after being caught in possession of cocaine - which he had bought thinking it was heroin.

Richard Kenins, aged 28, of Bishops Court, was stopped by plain-clothed police officers near the Barge Pole pub in Thamesmead on September 3.

Kenins discarded a package and tried to run away from police.

He was detained and the package containing brown powder wrapped in clingfilm was found.

Kenins was searched and found to have several dirty used needles and syringes on him, as well as heating spoons and ligature.

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In interview he told officers he bought the drugs believing it was heroin.

Kenins was charged and remanded for possession of class A drug and obstructing a police search.

On September 4 Kenins was sentenced to eight weeks in prison at a virtual court and is currently in custody at Bexleyheath police station awaiting transport to HMP Belmarsh.

An Asbo application with conditions not to come to the area is being considered by the court.

PC Chris Molnar "Thamesmead has always had a strong community since being built, but drugs threaten to destroy this.

"Some residents are coming forward to assist with identifying those responsible for this however we need to work as a community and force these people out.

Kenins is a drug addict who travels from Kent to buy and take drugs in the stairwells."