A MAN caught with drugs stashed in a car airbag space must repay more than £22,500.

Keith Boardman, aged 45, of Leigh Road, Hindley Green, is in prison serving a 30-month sentence after admitting the possession of cannabis and amphetamine with intent to supply.

On April 3, he was stopped while driving his Fiat Punto in Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, and police found drugs in the vacant passenger airbag hold.

A search of two Leigh houses associated with Boardman then revealed cannabis, amphetamines and drugs paraphernalia.

The haul was worth £18,362, but the court found he had benefited to the tune of £157,992 and had assets worth £22,580.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, he was ordered today to pay back £22,500 within six months.

If he fails to pay then he will be ordered to serve a further 12 months in prison.

PC Peter Jackson said: "Boardman is not only in jail for his crimes, but he now knows that, when he comes out, we have made more than a significant dent in his finances.

“He also knows that, if he fails to pay up in time, he will have to serve an even longer sentence."