Two men were fined after admitting the possession of heroin in a case arising from the investigation into the drugs-related death of a Ryedale teenager.

Ian Metcalfe and Kingsley Wilshire were fined £150 each after buying and taking the drug in September last year together with close friend Mark Wallace.

Mr Wallace, 17, was found dead on Christmas Day last year at his home in Oxcroft, Kirkbymoorside, though it was stressed that his death had nothing to do with the case against Metcalfe and Wilshire.

But Andrew Woolman, prosecuting, told York Crown Court 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, 25, of Rectory Lane, Nunnington, Wilshire, 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," he said.

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."

He also stressed that there was no intent to supply drugs, they were for personal use, and that they were in possession of only a very small amount.

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

As well as the fines, he ordered them both to pay £292 each towards prosecution costs.