British CNN anchor caught with drugs

CNN anchor Richard Quest has been caught with drugs in New York's Central Park.

Quest, a Briton, was stopped by police near 64th Street in the early hours of Friday because he was breaking the park's curfew.

According to some reports, he was also found to have a sex toy in his shoe and a rope tied around his genitals.

Police said the business reporter, known for his quirky on-screen style, had a plastic bag containing what was believed to be methamphetamine in his pocket.

He later appeared before State Court Judge Anthony Ferrara and was told there would be no prosecution as long as he attended drug counselling sessions.

Quest's lawyer Alan Abramson said: "Mr Quest did not realise that the park had a curfew and was returning to his hotel with friends. The matter is scheduled to be dismissed."

The New York Post tabloid newspaper quoted police sources as saying that, in addition to the drug, he had "a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot".

Quest is sometimes based in London for CNN and is one of the broadcaster's senior business reporters. He is a regular on CNN International, the global channel, and has his own feature show, Quest.