POLICE discovered thousands of pounds worth of cannabis in a car they pulled over because they thought it was uninsured.

Javed Malik’s Vauxhall Astra was pulled up by officers on Chester Road on December 11.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, said: “As the officer approached the car he could smell cannabis and there was the remnants of a joint in the car.

“In the car officers found two white bags of powder, two mobiles and £690 in cash.”

When asked if there was any more Malik, aged 30, of Vincent Close, Old Hall, replied he was in trouble whether he said yes or no then showed them further drugs in the boot including a drawstring bag containing two bin bags with cannabis leaf and a book with references to deals.

In a search of his Vincent Close home officers found a further two bags of cannabis.

The total street value for the haul of cannabis, which weighed 440g was £5,623 and with the cocaine the police estimated Malik had more than £5,900 worth of drugs.

“He claimed to be looking after the cannabis for someone else,” added Mr Dunford.

Warrington Crown Court heard on Monday Malik also had a caution for possession of cocaine in 2008.

Gemma McGungle, defending, said Malik had found himself in financial difficulties with the family business and had to move out of his house.

Miss McGungle added: “In 2012 he gained a degree from Salford University and he wanted to make something of his life but because of financial struggles he found himself taking the silly decision.”

Sentencing him Mr Recorder John Bromley Davenport said: “You have brought great shame on your parents who have to sit her in the embarrassing position of seeing their beloved son sitting in the dock facing the possibility of a prison sentence.”

He handed Malik an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis and three months consecutively for possession of cocaine.

He was also ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work, given a 12 month supervision order and the drugs and cash seized were forfeited.