Conway Ryan Davies, 33, admitted possessing cannabis and heroin at his home in South Wales.

He also confessed to possessing heroin substitutes including Subutex without prescription.

Police were alerted when Davies was found slumped in his car and a search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of drug paraphernalia.

A subsequent search of his home yielded a variety of illegal drugs.

"The police were concerned about the possibility of him dealing," said Andrew David, counsel for the prosecution.

"But that was denied by him and he was subsequently charged with these offences."

His defence claimed in court that Davies had been attempting to self-medicate with the drugs in the hope of kicking his addiction.

Davies had previously referred himself to a drug treatment service, but had been waiting one year for a methadone prescription.

"He is a man who has significant motivation to rid himself of this scourge," said Stephen Harrett, counsel for the defence.

"He desires to embrace any assistance he has in that endeavour."

Davies was given a one year community order with a supervision requirement.

"It is to your credit that you’ve attempted to address this on your own, but you’ve obviously got to comply with this now," said Howard Davies, presiding magistrate.

"If you don’t help yourself, this is not going to work. If you don’t comply you will be brought back to court."

"The ball is in your court to address this."