THREE men have appeared at Crewe Magistrates charged with heroin offences after a local man died of an overdose.

Mark Ravenscroft was found dead at an address in Moathouse Drive, Crewe, on January 12 after a drug-taking session with defendants Lee Hobbs, Bryan Brown and Philip Harrison.

All three pleaded guilty to possession of heroin for personal use, with Hobbs also admitting possession concerned with supply after giving someone £6 to buy drugs.

Jane Large, prosecuting, told the court that the session took place at Brown's mother's home while she was in hospital. Maria Brown was looking after the flat in her absence.

"At around 4pm Bryan Brown returned with the defendants and Maria saw all four going into the rear bedroom. She suspected they were taking drugs," she said.

"At 5.30pm Harrison left the flat and five minutes later Hobbs and Bryan Brown also emerged from the bedroom saying Ravenscroft had fallen asleep and left the flat.

"After a while Maria Brown entered the bedroom to find Ravenscroft lying face down seemingly asleep. Later it was quite clear that he was deceased."

Hobbs will be sent to Chester Crown Court for sentencing on the drugs offences, and for three theft offences and an assault on a police officer.

Brown, who also pleaded guilty to stealing a purse and contents, was remanded in custody for sentencing on March 31, and Harrison will return to Crewe Magistrates for sentencing on April 9.

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