Haslingden man told police he dug up cannabis stash (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden man told police he dug up cannabis stash

9:00am Sunday 8th January 2012 in Haslingden By Wendy Barlow, Court reporter

A YOUNG dad stopped for not wearing a seat belt had a cannabis stash in his car bur claimed he had dug it up, a court heard.

John Pounder, 24, who had 30 bags of drugs in his vehicle, had run off when police had told him they were going to search it.

He went on his holidays to Jamaica the day after and expected to be arrested on his return. He wasn't, so went and handed himself in at the police station.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Pounder claimed he used to take the drug, knew dealers and had seen one with a carrier bag full of what he thought would be cannabis. He alleged the supplier had hidden it behind a garage and the defendant claimed he had gone and dug it up. Pounder said he would have supplied the drugs friends who were cannabis users.

Pounder, who is in employment, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply in April last year.

The defendant, of Cedar Avenue, Haslingden, was given 32 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, with 150 hours unpaid work. He must pay £500 costs.

David Macro, prosecuting, said police stopped Pounder in Haslingden as he was not wearing a seat belt and one of his lights was defective.

The defendant was carrying a plastic bag full of coins, said he was on his way to the bank and that he was going to get some currency for Jamaica. The officers noted a strong smell of cannabis and the defendant was asked if he had any on him. He said no and made off.

Mr Macro said the police discovered 30 bags of drugs, worth £350 on the streets. Pounder had a record for drugs possession.

David Gilbart, for Pounder, said he had come upon the cannabis.

The barrister added: "There is no evidence of any extravagant lifestyle."

Judge Ian Leeming, QC, said he had originally been 'very doubtful' about Pounder's explanation of how he came by the cannabis, but he was prepared to accept it.