When officers arrested 45-year-old Harold Puddifoot on unrelated matters they quickly suspected he had a heroin habit and decided to strip search him.

After the request was made Puddifoot lowered his football shorts and “bared his buttocks” to the officers at Hatfield police station, claiming the procedure was ridiculous, St Albans Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

The prosecution told the court “a remnant of paper” was seen by one of the officers, before Puddifoot repeated the action.

Puddifoot, of Ludwick Way, Welwyn Garden City, was placed in a cell and a small wrap of heroin found in his shorts. He admitted possession of a class A drug during interview.

The defendant, however, originally pleaded not guilty when the appeared at the magistrates court and elected for Crown Court trial.

Puddifoot’s defence said he had intended to plead guilty at the lower court, but his girlfriend had followed him there. Not wanting her to know about his drug-taking, he had denied the allegation, despite admitting it to police.

Puddifoot, who is on incapacity benefit, has previous convictions dating back to 1978, and has been imprisoned for drug dealing. His most recent offence was in 2004.

The father of a four-month-old daughter was supported in court by his partner, who he had “come clean to” about his drug problem, and had not taken drugs since his arrest, the court heard.

Judge Griffith imposed a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which time he must keep in touch with probation.

Judge Griffith said: “This sentence will help you remember how serious this offence is.

“Possession of even a small amount of a class A drug is a serious matter and there are ample cases where people are sent straight to prison, but you have hopefully turned a corner.”

Puddifoot will also be tagged during a three-month curfew at his partner’s address in Northway, Welwyn Garden City.

No costs were ordered because of his lack of means.