A man who was found with almost 1kg of heroin in his house told police he was looking after it for a friend.

Hassan Shahzad was spotted by police on July 5 driving an Audi vehicle which they attempted to pursue.

Burnley Crown Court heard how police were unable to catch up to the Audi and later found it abandoned, and a search for the driver began.

Prosecuting, Adam White said officers managed locate Shahzad, 23, and he was detained and found to have £2,000 in cash in his possession.

Mr White said: “As he was being put into the police car he shouted to his friend ‘move the stuff’.

“This prompted police to carry out a search of the defendant’s home address where they found 990g of heroin worth almost £66,000.

“He was interviewed but provided no comment and was remanded into custody.”

Shahzad, of Fountain Street, Nelson, has no previous convictions and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs, on the basis that the drugs were not his and belonged to a friend, and he “was not a drug dealer”.

Mitigating, Bob Elias said his client “didn’t realise the enormity of what he was doing”.

He told the court: “His actions demonstrate the naivety on his part. He’s not a drug dealer, he’s someone who was looking after them for a friend.

“He didn’t realise the enormity of what he was doing.

“He cares for his mother and his being in custody has caused some difficulties for his family.

“He’s very immature and was taken advantage of. He’s not even at the fringes of a drugs gang.

“His life has imploded and he feels bitterly regretful.”

Jailing Shahzad for three years and two months, Recorder Daniel Prowse said: “You were found with £66,000 worth of heroin.

“That’s a very large amount of drugs. You must understand that people who involve themselves in the drugs world and care for this amount of drugs must expect a custodial sentence.”