A MOTORIST caught transporting an illegal cocaine cargo potentially worth £200,000 has heard he faces a prison sentence of several years.

Garry Redford, aged 37, faced two charges when he appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning (Tuesday).

Redford admitted one charge of possessing class A controlled substance cocaine with intent to supply the drug to another.

He also pleaded guilty to a second offence of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property — namely cash in the sum of £4,300.

The court heard his two offences were committed on September 22 last year.

Redford is said to have been driving an Audi A3 on the M6 southbound near Carlisle.

A police officer formed the view that vehicle was in poor condition, and subsequently that the driver appeared nervous.

During a search of the vehicle, the cash was found under a seat and around 2kg of cocaine was located in the boot.

After Redford entered his guilty pleas in court, prosecutor Graeme Tindall said in an address to magistrates that their sentencing powers were insufficient to deal with the case.

A maximum sentence of six month’ imprisonment can be imposed in the magistrates’ court whereas the punishment faced by Redford for the two crimes was 'in excess of four years', suggested Mr Tindall.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case for sentencing to Carlisle Crown Court.

A pre-sentence report was ordered and Redford — previously of Bury and now of Cross Lane, Radcliffe, Manchester — was advised to speak with a probation officer ahead of that next hearing.

The sentencing hearing is due to take place on October 10. In the meantime, Redford was granted unconditional bail.