A 41-year-old former Blackburn businessman caught with a large quantity of cannabis resin has been jailed for three years.

The drug had a street value of up to £81,000 and Preston Crown Court was told that John Rowe had fallen on hard times and turned to crime because he was strapped for cash.

Rowe, 41, now of Centenary Mill, Preston, admitted possession with intent to supply. Mrs Hilary Banks, prosecuting, told the court that police also found £5,000, two passports, five mobiles, and digital scales.

Rowe said he was in possession of the drugs for someone else. "He had tried to make a little bit of extra money by using his apartment as storage for cannabis resin," said Mrs Banks.

He would have been paid up to £3,000 but never received it.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Rowe was not a significant player and had had a subordinate role, acting as a custodian and providing a safe house.

He said Rowe had worked at Blackburn Camping Centre and then set up a business – Top Cats – 20 years ago, car washing, valeting, limos and taxis.

The business was successful, but in 1998 due to re-development the site was bought out by B&Q and he used the money to go to Spain and run a bar.

Recorder Louise Bancroft told Rowe: "You have worked hard in previous years, you have fallen on hard times, but that is no excuse."