Man's holiday to Thailand ended in prison after he asked 'what the f***?'

A two-week holiday to Thailand ended in a prison sentence after Lewis Morgan, 20, was caught trying to sneak nearly 34 kilos of cannabis past border force officers at Manchester Airport. His plan was uncovered when his two large suitcases were searched by the officers.

Morgan, who insisted the suitcases were filled with clothes, exclaimed "what the f***ing hell is that?' after the drugs were found, Manchester Crown Court heard. As he was being arrested, officers noticed a message on his iPhone from a contact named "Del Boy" advising him to "no comment all the way".

Following the incident on July 18, after returning to Manchester from Bangkok in Thailand via Doha, Morgan has been "frank and honest" with authorities and confessed the smuggling attempt was to make money. Morgan, from Crewe, hoped to pay off a drug debt built up due to his cocaine use, according to his barrister, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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He had spent the past two months on remand in prison awaiting sentencing. However, he is now due to be released and will be free to celebrate his 21st birthday later this week.

Defending, Brendan O'Leary described Morgan's actions as "wholly out of character". He said Morgan had raised money for charity and has many "positive aspects to his character".

Mr O'Leary explained Morgan was in "significant debt" due to his cocaine use, but showed a "determination to put things right". He also mentioned the defendant struggles with mental health issues but is capable of rehabilitation.

The barrister highlighted that "prison places are at a premium" and suggested they should be kept for those who "pose a risk or danger to the public". Mr O'Leary explained: "this defendant is not one of those."

Upon sentencing, Recorder Phil Barnes chose not to extend Morgan's time behind bars, saying to him: "When we say drugs ruin lives, it isn't a meaningless phrase. They do, and you are now seeing it."

Morgan, from Bradeley Hall Road, Crewe, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug. He was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years.