A drug user who said he had £1,200 from working as a roofer had snatched the cash from a policewoman’s hand and run off, a court heard on Wednesday.

Russell Noble, 22, of Maes Gruffydd, Trefnant, on benefit, admitted possessing cocaine at Rhyl in April last year. He was quizzed by police in May.

James Neary, prosecuting, told magistrates at Llandudno there was no explanation for the delay in the case.

Defence solicitor Andrew Hutchinson said there was no previous record for drugs’ matters and Noble said he didn’t use cocaine now.

A twelve months community order was imposed with a thinking skills course and 40 hours unpaid work.

Noble must pay £170 costs.