Man caught with thousands of pounds worth of cocaine claims he'd agreed to 'hold an item' for a pal

James Houten — who gave no explanation for nearly £48,000 in cash also seized in the raid — said he only kept the Class A narcotic overnight as a 'favour' for his unnamed friend.

Houten, 48, insisted he had no idea the package contained cocaine until two men turned up with it at his partner's home.

His lawyer, Terry Gallanagh, told Greenock Sheriff Court: "Mr Houten had become isolated due to personal circumstances.

"He does not get out much and, as a result of a social engagement, he befriended a man who asked him to look after an item as a favour.

"Mr Houten expressed at the time his dissatisfaction and there was an argument at the time with the people who brought him the item.

"He did agree to look after it and he thought it would be collected the next day."

Police swooped on the property on Strone Crescent as part of an intelligence-led operation on April 24 last year.

Cash totalling £47,960 was found variously in two boxes and a tin, and 105.34 grams of cocaine worth £4,160 was seized.

Officers also found two sets of scales.

But Houten says he only had the drug with him for less than 24 hours.

Addressing Sheriff Andrew McIntyre, solicitor Mr Gallanagh said: "He accepts that he became a cog in the wheels of the supply of a Class A drug and that this will more often than not result in incarceration.

"However, my invitation to your Lordship is to take an extremely unusual step and not send him to custody, and instead impose high tariff alternatives.

"Your Lordship is faced with a man who has made a dreadful error."

Sheriff McIntyre asked: "What did he understand the item was?"

Mr Gallanagh replied: "There was no significant discussion, the gentleman had just asked him to look after an item for him."

Sheriff McIntyre told Houten: "This was a serious drug offence and you were concerned in the supply of cocaine, which is a Class A drug and the quantity is significant in my opinion.

"Supply of Class A drugs into the community must be taken seriously because it leads to many problems in the community.

"I am satisfied that prison is the only way in which the gravity of the offence can be properly reflected."

Houten, of Davaar Road, was sentenced to 23 months, reduced from two-and-a-half years due to his guilty plea.

Court proceedings regarding the confiscation of the cash seized by police are due to get underway on April 3.