Police discovered an Ipswich drug user’s flat was rigged up for free electricity when they searched it after arresting him, a court heard.

Vamps Fountain, of Vernon Street, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and possession of cocaine, as well as abstracting electricity without authority, when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The 36-year-old also admitted being in breach of a six-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months when he was given it in November for a public order offence.

The drug and electricity offences occurred on March 13.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said police officers were in an alleyway between Bell Close and Belstead Road in Ipswich at 11.30am.

Fountain and another drug user were seen in the alleyway. A short exchange took place.

Fountain then left and returned. He met three other males and another exchange took place.

Fountain was then seen walking along Austin Street when officers detained him for a drug search.

Mrs Harper said he told police he had three ‘brown’ and two ‘white’ wraps.

Fountain was arrested and walked to his flat, before being taken to the police investigation centre.

When the flat was searched officers discovered the electricity meter had been bypassed.

The amount of electricity unpaid for was said to be worth £103.41.

Larissa Hutson, representing Fountain, said her client had now sought assistance from drug agencies.

The court heard the Big Issue seller had previously had a lodger who re-wired the meter.

Fountain was fined a total of £250 and ordered to pay £85 in costs. He must also pay £20 to the victims’ fund.