AN OFF-duty police officer caught a 21-year-old youth with more than 100 Ecstasy tablets in a chance encounter at a petrol station.

Christian Parry, 21, of Waun Road, Cwmbran, was given a 12 month suspended sentence and ordered to do 175 hours of unpaid community work, for possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

The court heard Parry was at the Shell garage on Henllys Way, Cwmbran, on February 2 this year, having bought 101 Ecstasy tablets.

But when off-duty drug squad officer DS Tom Andrews pulled up at the next pump, he noticed the man appeared to have a white substance on him.

He approached the car and showed his badge, and a search revealed two packs of Ecstasy tablets, making a total of 101 tablets at a resale value of £100 to £300.

Parry later admitted buying the drugs for £100 and said he had bought them for himself and a friend.

He was also found to be driving while disqualified, for which he was sentenced separately.

Speaking after the sentencing DI Steve Corcoran of Gwent Police praised the off-duty officer's actions.

He said: "Even while off-duty, Tom showed physical and moral courage in approaching this individual.

"Tom's sterling efforts are to be recognised for the force and he has been nominated for a commendation."

DS Andrews has since emigrated to New Zealand.

Defending at Newport Crown Court yesterday, Leighton Hughes told the court Parry had lost his job and fallen into "an indolent lifestyle", sleeping by day, and getting drunk and taking drugs with his friends at night.

He said Parry had no previous convictions and was of formerly good character.

Sentencing Judge David Morris said: "This is a serious criminal offence."

He gave Parry credit for his guilty plea and his efforts to reform his lifestyle since the arrest.

Parry was sentenced to a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also told to do 175 hours unpaid community work and ordered to undergo skills training and an alcohol and drugs rehabilitation course.