Man jailed after being caught with cocaine in court dock

A 24-year-old man has been jailed after being caught in possession of cocaine as he sat in the dock for another case.

Waqas Khan, of Beech Road, Luton, was on trial at Luton Crown Court for conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin as part of a large-scale drugs operation, but was eventually acquitted.

During the trial, he took a personal bag with him into court which was found to contain a "large quantity" of the class A drug, Bedfordshire Police said.

The force said Khan was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Paul Baron said: "To turn up in the dock with class A drugs on him shows a complete and utter disregard to the law. Khan's actions were beyond belief and I'm pleased that he will face a custodial sentence - showing that he is not in fact above the law.

"Cocaine has a hugely damaging impact on people's lives, even causing death in some cases, so it's absolutely vital that those who supply such dangerous drugs are caught and brought to justice."