A Newtown man who was given speed wrapped inside an orange plastic Kinder egg as a birthday present has been sentenced in court.

Magistrates described Peter Sharratt's past as "unenviable" and sentenced him to a six-month community order after he admitted possessing a gram of the Class B drug.

The 50-year-old was stopped by police officers on foot patrol in Newtown on May 14 after he seemingly reacted to their presence and placed something in his pocket.

Police found a plastic bag containing amphetamine inside a plastic Kinder egg, which Sharratt said was for his own use.

Julian Davies, probation officer, told Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 5) that it was Sharratt's birthday and he was given the speed by a friend.

"Mr Sharratt takes it when he feels down in the dumps. He is currently of no fixed abode and is sofa surfing. He is signed off work due to mental health issues.

"His alcohol use was problematic in the past but he hasn’t consumed alcohol in the last five years but has replaced alcohol with speed. He said he hasn’t used speed since May this year. Mr Sharratt uses speed to self-medicate for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression."

The court heard that Sharratt has 29 convictions for 49 offences, six of which relate to drug offences from 2016 to 2022 which reflects the time of his drug use and not drinking alcohol. Other convictions include violence against persons and property, and he has been subject to orders and custody in the past.

Robert Hanratty, acting for Sharratt, said the six-month order can help boost his self-confidence.

"I think Peter was quite surprised that I received a letter from his estranged mother in which she does reflect on a period of Peter’s life that was significantly better than it is now.

"Hopefully he can get his life back on track. There’s a very positive side to his life that he can strive to recover. Hopefully this six-month order can help re-establish some self-confidence."

Sharratt, of no fixed abode, must complete a six-month order which includes 10 rehabilitation requirement days to address his problem solving skills, give advice and guidance for drug use, and looking at accommodation solutions.

Cynthia McVey, chair of the magistrates' bench, told Sharratt: "We hope you will use this opportunity to break this cycle of offending and get you on the right path. Look at this as an opportunity not as a punishment."