POLICE who stopped a car because of an issue with the registration plate saw the driver throw something into the back of the vehicle.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officers recovered a plastic bag containing 10 individual wraps of cannabis.

Ateeq Javeed Turk claimed the drug was for his own personal use. Ten days later he was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to supply for which he was subsequently sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Turk, 22, of Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, but who is currently serving his sentence in Preston Prison, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis, driving while over the limit for cannabis, driving without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence. He was fined £120, which was lodged against time in custody, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client understood he shouldn't have had the drugs.

"When he is released from prison he intends to change his ways and avoid any contact with drugs," said Mr Taylor.

"He doesn't want to go back to prison."