The son of former health secretary Patricia Hewitt has pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

Nicholas Hewitt Birtles, from north London, was charged with possession of the class A drug on September 21st.

The 21-year-old, whose father is a judge, was taken into custody after police stopped a car in London’s Camden Square. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £250 at Highbury Corner magistrate’s court.

Ms Hewitt, who has been MP for Leicester West since 1997, announced in June she intended to leave Parliament at the next election, citing spending more time with her family as a reason.

She told the Leicester Mercury at the time: "The truth is that after 13 years as an MP and ten years in government, I have not seen enough of my family. They have paid a high price for that."

Hewitt Birtles, a sales representative, was said to have had £150 worth of cocaine in his possession.

Defending solicitor Anthony Burton said: "He apologises to court for the offence and underlines that through his plea.

"What is particularly distressing to him is that significant publicity has been attracted that has fallen on his family and he is deeply distressed about the consequences of his actions so far as his family are concerned."

He added that his client "immediately fell on his sword".

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