Prison term for Cheshire drug courier

Carrying cocaine internally

A 23-year-old man from Cheshire who tried to bring cocaine into the Island has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.

Thomas Holden, from Winsford, appeared before Deemster Alastair Montgomerie at Douglas courthouse.

He had already admitted importation of cocaine and possession of it with intent to supply.

The court heard Holden agreed to be a courier for someone, to help service debts he had accumulated with payday loan companies - he was to be paid £1,000 for bringing the drugs in.

He was stopped at the Sea Terminal at around 10pm on May 16, questioned and subsequently taken to police headquarters.

Holden had one packet of cocaine between his buttocks and told officers he was carrying more internally, which he would remove himself.

The total weight of the drugs was 48.4g, with an Isle of Man street value of between £2,420 and £3,388.

In addition to the prison sentence, Holden has been banned from the Isle of Man for five years, upon his release.