4:09pm UK, Thursday May 13, 2010
Adam Arnold, Sky News Online
The father of Chelsea and England footballer John Terry has admitted supplying cocaine and said he was "embarrassed" about it.
Edward Terry pleaded guilty as he appeared before magistrates in Basildon, Essex.
The court was told he supplied the drug to an undercover newspaper reporter in a wine bar in Chafford Hundred in November last year.
Prosecutor Ricky Khagram said Terry dealt drugs to a News Of The World journalist called Dan Sanderson - who was posing as a chauffeur - and was paid a total of £160.
Terry's lawyer Neil Saunders said his client had been "targeted" by journalists because he was the footballer's father.
Mr Saunders said his client was "embarrassed" because of the upset caused to his son.
The lawyer said Terry had been out with friends and had drunk a "considerable amount".
Mr Saunders added: "Of course he is embarrassed for the upset he has caused to his son - and that is the reason he was targeted."
The defendant, 56, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, admitted supplying 3.5g (0.1oz) of the class A drug.
Magistrates' chairman John Toplis said sentencing should be decided by a Crown Court judge, not by magistrates.
Terry spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter a guilty plea.
He was released on bail and will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on June 1