POLICE following a van that they wanted to stop for a routine check saw a white bag thrown out of the passenger window.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police recovered the bag it contained 55g of skunk cannabis.

MORE TOP STORIES:

John Joseph Moorcroft, 32, of Hardman Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £180 criminal court charge, £100 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Dominic Howell, prosecuting, said the driver of the car later admitted he had bought the cannabis and had already been dealt with by the courts.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said his client did not smoke cannabis and was not aware his friend had some in the van.

“His friend suddenly announced the police were behind and asked my client to throw some cannabis out,” said Mr Bakhat.

“He regrets it now but he complied. He is guilty because it was a joint enterprise.”