TWO heroin users learned a tragic lesson when the drug claimed the life of their close friend, a court heard.

Ian Metcalfe, 25, and Kingsley Wilshire, 24, admitted possessing heroin in a case which began with police investigations into the drugs-related death of Mark Wallace, 17.

The men were fined £150 each with £292 costs at York Crown Court after buying and taking the drug in September last year, together with their teenage friend.

Mr Wallace was found dead on Christmas Day at his home in Oxcroft, Kirkbymoorside, though it was stressed that his death had nothing to do with the case against Metcalfe and Wilshire. Andrew Woolman, prosecuting, said the case against the pair arose from the investigation into Mr Wallace's death.

"(Mr Wallace) died on Christmas Day last year as a result of heroin addiction and alcohol problems," he said.

In the middle of the previous September, Mr Wallace, together with Metcalfe, aged 25, of Rectory Lane, Nunnington, Wilshire, aged 24, of Main Road, Ampleforth, and another man, went on a "heroin expedition" to York.

"The actual purchase was done by Metcalfe but it was clear it was a pool pot of money," Mr Woolman said.

They purchased needles in Clifton and parked by the A19 where they took the drugs.

But he said: "It is quite clear Mark Wallace's death had nothing to do with this incident whatsoever."

Nigel Wray, mitigating, said that both Metcalfe and Wilshire had been profoundly affected by Mr Wallace's death.

"They have been punished more than others who come to this court because of the death of Mark Wallace, a close friend.

"It has taught them a lesson as to what this drug can do."

Judge Trevor Kent-Jones told the pair: "There is no doubt that heroin is a dangerous drug. If anyone were to have any doubts, the unfortunate death of one of your partners illustrates the dangers."