Yahoo News Drugs courier caught trying to import 13 kilos of cannabis through Newcastle Airport
A drugs courier caught trying to smuggle 13 kilos of cannabis through Newcastle Airport has been spared prison.
Nathan Potter arrived at Newcastle Airport from Amsterdam on May 16, having travelled alone with a backpack and suitcase. He was stopped by customs officers and said the bag was his but that he had been forced to carry the suitcase, although he would not say by who.
Potter, 21, indicated there was nothing in the back pack but said there was "weed" in the suitcase. Inside the suitcase, there were 26 bags containing 13 kilos of cannabis.
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Potter, of Little Moss Hey, Stockbridge, Liverpool, who has seven previous convictions, including for robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving, pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition by bringing the drugs into the UK.
He was sentenced to 45 weeks suspended for 18 months with 150 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation.
Katie Spence, defending, said he was remorseful and had served around four months in prison on remand and added: "He has learned a lot while in prison. He has certainly used his time well." The court heard he has mental health issues and is classed as a low risk of reoffending.
