A MAN caught with £60,000 worth of drugs in the boot of his vehicle refused to tell police who he was representing.

Mark Scrivener feared reprisals from those behind the plot, a court heard.

His task was to deliver the cannabis, weighing 12kg, to the north of England.

The self-employed painter and decorator told police he took on the role as drugs courier, for a £400 fee, after a shortage of work.

Scrivener, 37, of St Osyth Road, Clacton, was jailed for 18 months at Preston Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to supply cannabis between February 1 and 19 this year.

Police stopped him on the M6, in Cumbria, as he travelled north.

The court heard he took the opportunity to deliver the drugs for the money because he was behind with his rent.

Duncan Birrell, prosecuting, said: “He would not name any of the other people involved in the enterprise.

“Cumbria Police investigated the matter, and accepted there are other people involved in this, and who are capable of significant levels of violence.

“They seem to accept the fear expressed by the defendant, and the consequences for him if he identified them.”

Gareth James, defending, said Scrivener was of previous good character.

“He accepts he has been extremely foolish and put himself into a very, very difficult situation,” said Mr James.

“He was motivated by trying to support his family.”