MEN caught with a carrier bag containing skunk cannabis claimed they were returning it to its owner.

Bolton Crown Court heard how police saw a Kia Sportage on Plodder Lane, Farnworth, on the evening of October 16, 2017 and signalled it to stop.

Brian Berlyne, prosecuting, told how the car, driven by Andrew Derbyshire, eventually came to a halt.

"As soon as he stopped the front seat passenger got out of the vehicle and ran off. The police saw he was holding a carrier bag," said Mr Berlyne.

The passenger, later identified as Jack Kay, was caught and, in the carrier bag which he had discarded, they found 27 plastic bags and a plastic container holding nearly 40g of skunk cannabis. Along with the drug, which was valued at £490, was £1,170 in cash and a debtors' list.

"Mr Kay's fingerprints and Mr Derbyshire's fingerprints were both found on the debtors' list," said Mr Berlyne. "Mr Derbyshire, in interview, said the drugs belonged to his brother and Kay initially denied being in the vehicle or having the carrier bag."

The Bolton News:

Derbyshire, aged 31, of Hargreaves Street, Halliwell, and Kay, aged 27, of Makinson Avenue, Horwich, both pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply on the basis that they were returning it to its owner and not dealing it themselves.

Louise Cowen, defending Derbyshire, said the father-of-one has largely stayed out of trouble since the offence was committed and devotes his time to community organisations. "It was a foolish mistake he made in the aftermath of a party," said Miss Cowen.

Richard Dawson, defending Kay, stressed to Judge Graeme Smith: "It has taken the prosecution 20 months to bring this case before the courts. It was described by His Honour Judge Stead as 'an inordinate delay' and I echo those sentiments."

He added that, since 2017, Kay, a father-of-two, has seen his life change considerably and he is now in full time work.

Derbyshire wiped away tears in the dock as Judge Smith sentenced both men to a 12 month community order. Derbyshire must participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities and Kay 15 days.

He told them: "What you should have done was to have nothing to do with the bag — left it alone or handed it to the police."