A drugs courier who was caught near Carlisle carrying a £30,000 heroin haul has been sent to prison.

Debt-ridden Trevor Holt, 63, agreed to transport the class A drug in exchange for £500 after falling into arrears with his rent and council tax payments.

But as Holt headed north on October 25 his Renault Megane was pulled over by police on the M6 due to the manner of his driving.

Ninety wraps of the illegal class A drug - almost 300g - were found in the boot of vehicle. These were said to have an estimated value of between £10,800 and £29,363.

Holt was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today after he admitted a charge of possessing heroin with intent to supply. He also admitted the possession of cannabis.

Judge Peter Davies imposed a prison sentence of three years and four months. Judge Davies told Holt, of Higson Court, Dingle, Liverpool: "You were a trusted courier."