At the city’s Crown Court, the barrister representing 57-year-old Paul Walsh said he agreed to transport the drugs for a payment of £300 – part of a desperate attempt to clear debts built up as the result of a gambling addiction.
The defendant admitted possessing the Class A drug with intent to supply, though the prosecution accepted his role was limited to being a courier.
The case was outlined by barrister Tariq Khawam.
Police stopped the defendant’s Renault Scenic car on July 23 between Junctions 42 and 43 as he returned from a trip to Liverpool on his way to Motherwell.
“His vehicle was described as travelling unnecessarily in the middle lane,” said Mr Khawam.
When questioned, Walsh told the…