A drugs mule named Bernard Kennedy was caught red-handed at Manchester Airport after claiming he 'ran out of money' on his holiday in Thailand. Border Force officers intercepted the 46 year old as he landed from Bangkok via Dubai, only to find his suitcases delayed upon arrival on March 20. When the luggage finally turned up, officials discovered 48 kilos of vacuum-packed cannabis with an estimated street value of £144,000 inside.

Presented later with the empty suitcases by officers, Kennedy confirmed ownership and was immediately arrested. He has since admitted guilt to participating in the fraudulent evasion of a ban on importing a class B substance. Kennedy initially told officers he had exhausted his funds whilst overseas and had been propositioned by individuals offering a substantial sum to transport the suitcases back to Manchester.

However, Recorder Jeremy Lasker at the Manchester Crown Court was sceptical, commenting: "I don't accept he ran out of money over there and by chance somebody helped him out and said 'take this back with you'.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

The judge noted Kennedy's frequent travel history, stating: "He made similar trips in November, December, January, February and March." His defence attorney, Huw Edwards, argued that Kennedy's repeated trips were due to a romantic relationship requiring his presence in Thailand, also noting that he faces only one charge.

Edwards highlighted his client's deep regret for his actions and reminded the court that it routinely deals with individuals smuggling substances into the country. "They are never the main authors. They are, ultimately, drug mules. They take all the risk and obtain very little in reward." The court was informed that Kennedy had previously worked at a children's home for two decades but began to battle with mental health issues following the death of his father.

Sentencing Kennedy, from Grizedale in Widnes, to a two-year incarceration, Recorder Lasker remarked to him, "You clearly had some idea of the size of this importation if nothing but by the weight of those suitcases." Kennedy is set to serve half of his sentence behind bars before being eligible for release on licence.