On October 26, Bailey Avison-Brown, a 24-year-old man, returned to Manchester from a 10-day trip to Thailand. Upon his return, he spoke to Border Force staff at Manchester Airport regarding his suitcase, which had arrived late.

The next day, Avison-Brown was called back to the airport to retrieve his bag. However, upon his arrival, he was arrested after authorities discovered over 23 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis inside his suitcase.

According to prosecutor Simon Barratt at Manchester Crown Court, the total weight of the cannabis was 23.5 kilograms, with a street value of £94,000. It was noted that Avison-Brown had no influence on others in the drug supply chain and exhibited a level of naivety during the incident. It was expected that he would receive between £5,000 and £7,000 for his involvement.

The court also heard that Avison-Brown, who had no prior convictions, expressed 'deep remorse and embarrassment' over his actions and did not attempt to blame others.

In his mitigation, Naomi Duckworth described his time in custody as 'harrowing', referring to him as a 'drug mule - the lowest of the low'. She emphasized that individuals aware of such operations would not be naive enough to participate, explaining that young, vulnerable people are often targeted for these roles.

Ms. Duckworth further mentioned that following an attack, Avison-Brown had developed an addiction to cannabis and had been diagnosed with ADHD.

She stated, “This is a young man who made one very serious mistake.” In response, judge Tom Gilbart remarked on the broader implications of drug importation, stating that it brings considerable misery and crime to society.

Avison-Brown, residing in Red Poll Close, Worsley, Salford, was sentenced to one year, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug.

Additionally, he was placed under a three-month electronically-monitored curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and was to participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

As he held his head in his hands, the judge informed Avison-Brown that he would be released that afternoon but warned, “If I see you again, I will send you to custody.”