A MOTORIST has appeared in court accused of attempting to transport a kilogram of cocaine - with a potential street value of £150,000 - along the M6 in Cumbria.

James O’Brien, 32, faces a single charge: that he possessed the class A drug with intent to supply it.

The defendant, from North Wales, is alleged to have committed the offence on September 3 near to the motorway’s Tebay junction. At Carlisle’s Rickergate magistrates’ court, the bearded defendant confirmed that at this stage in the case he was not prepared to enter any plea.

He was represented by Lancaster-based defence lawyer Daniel Spencer.

After hearing from prosecutor Andy Travers and Mr Spencer, magistrates said the case should be dealt with by a judge at Carlisle Crown Court. They remanded O’Brien in custody until he appears there on October 7, when a plea is likely to be taken.