A MANSLAUGHTER charge against a Gwent man who admitted supplying heroin was blocked yesterday - because vital toxicology evidence had been destroyed.

At Cardiff crown court William Joseph Smith, aged 37, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin to 47-year-old Peter Sutton on September 14 last year. Mr Sutton was found dead at his home in Pen y Parc, Pontnewydd that day.

Smith, of the Tower, Cwmbran denied a charge of manslaughter and the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.

The court was told that toxicology evidence had been destroyed and that the body of unemployed nurse Mr Sutton, 47, has since been cremated. The judge, Mr Justice Thomas, called for clear guidelines to be drawn up about such evidence.

While saying he was not criticising anyone he added: "It is definitely in the public interest that some guidelines should be put in place to ensure that this can never happen again."

Stephen Thomas, aged 39, of Brook Meadow, Pontnewydd, appeared alongside Smith.

He also pleaded guilty to supplying heroin to Mr Sutton on September 13 last year.

Both men also admitted supplying heroin to each other and to possession of heroin.

Sentence of both men was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and the judge indicated they would face custodial sentences. Both men were released on conditional bail.