A DRUGS runner who tried to smuggle cocaine with a street value of almost £500,000 through Manchester Airport has been jailed for seven years.
Lloyd Brown, 22, was singled out by customs men as he walked through the green `nothing to declare' channel after flying back from the Dominican Republic.
The class A drug was found packed in clear plastic bags concealed in an air bed and dance mat which were inside a case.
The court was told he had 4.34kg of the drug with a wholesale value of up to £164,000 - worth around £450,000 on the streets.
Who has been sent to prison this month? Pictures gallery and sentences.
Brown, described as a particularly vulnerable young man who had suffered from drug and alcohol abuse since the age of nine, told investigating officers that the air bed and mat had been given to him as presents for his family.
He claimed the drugs had been concealed in his case without his knowledge and even told officers that he feared for his own safety.
Robert Golinski, prosecuting, said Brown, who pleaded guilty to the offence, claimed the holiday had been arranged at short notice by his sister who lived in Scotland, though Brown's permanent address was in Lanzarote.
He had deficit hyperactive disorder, dyslexia and displayed symptoms of psychological distress. He was also said to suffer from memory problems.
Carolyn Smith, for Brown, said he later accepted that he knew there were drugs concealed in his case, but didn't know precisely what kind, or the quantity.
He had owed money and had been approached by two men at his hotel who said the debt would be extinguished if he carried the drugs.
She said psychological reports revealed a vulnerable man open to manipulation.
She said: "He was the ideal candidate to be asked to carry out somebody else's dirty work."
Sentencing Brown, who pleaded guilty, Recorder Christopher Alldis told him: "You must have known realistically you were carrying a Class A drug, and the court has to mark the seriousness of crime carried out by such couriers."
Who has been sent to prison this month? Pictures gallery and sentences.
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Jailed for having £1/2m of cocaine in air bed
September 29, 2009
Lloyd Brown
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Of Denton, Tameside (29/09/2009 at 11:44)
MEN story 'Drugs found in crash teen'
"In all, nine packages of cocaine and one package of heroin, with a total value of £119 were recovered from Mahmood.
When interviewed, Mahmood said he couldn't remember the night of the accident and said he was surprised to learn about the drugs.
Mahmood later pleaded guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply.
Handing Mahmood a 12-month community order, 80 hours unpaid work and a curfew order, Judge Robert Atherton said: "The circumstances in which you came to be found to be in possession of these drugs are very unusual.
"I hope I'm right in saying that very unhappy experience will keep you away from the drugs world, you will not be able to rely on the same circumstances again."
Yet Lloyd, whom has huge medical/addiction problems compared with Mahmood gets a seven year prison sentance. Neither is acceptable but can we start dictating to Judges the sentences to be handed out rather than allowing them to make a mockery of our legal system please!!
Colin the pie, WIGAN (29/09/2009 at 16:30)
salfordrat (29/09/2009 at 21:08)
But apart from all that - the whole thing is reminscent of a former West Midlands Serious Crime Squad caper. Reading between the lines I mean. I.e. arrest somebody with a reasonable alibi but mental health issues (ideally somebody with the metal age of a two year old" and when they plead not guilty, spend a few hours/days 'convining' them that they are actually guilty after all but they jsut forgot. Seven years? The guy should be in hospital or under treatment. Oh, and Colin The Pie, WIGAN - you might want to read the whole story mate, not just the headline, before posting your well thought out comments.