A DRUG DEALER was caught hiding thousands of pounds of cocaine in a baby’s nappy bag.

Andrew Renshaw tried to claim he had the class A drug for personal use, but was jailed after a judge pointed out that the 34-year-old – who’d admitted possession with intent to supply – was on benefits at the time.

Renshaw, from Ayr, was busted with 70 grams of cocaine in two bags in Townhead Street in Cumnock – with an estimated street value of £3,500.

Police had tailed his car along the A70 into the town on May 27, 2023 – and on stopping the vehicle, cops discovered a 10-month-old child in the front passenger seat.

The 34-year-old was handed a six-month jail term at Ayr Sheriff Court.

The procurator fiscal depute said: "At 10am on May 7, police witnesses in an unmarked vehicle observed an Audi driving on the A70.

“Police were answering intelligence received that the car was involved in supplying illegal drugs, and arranged to attempt to stop the vehicle.

"He continued into a yard, police got out and approached the driver of the vehicle who was the accused. 

"A 10-month-old child was seen in the front passenger seat. Police informed the accused he was being detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act and he was cautioned.

“He freely stated drugs were in the child's nappy bag. 

"The child was removed and a search was carried out by police.

"In the footwell, inside the bag, they found three bags of white powder. A 56g bag tested positive for cocaine, a 28g bag tested negative, and a 14g bag tested positive.

"The accused was informed he was under arrest and conveyed to Saltcoats police office. The accused, under caution, admitted ownership, but stated it was for 'personal use'.”

Defence solicitor Glenn Davis suggested Renshaw’s claim to police that the haul was for his own use was “simply panic”, hence his later admitting the charge of possession with intent to supply.

Mr Davis said Renshaw had no other criminal cases outstanding and told Sheriff Desmond Leslie: “He comments himself that he uses cocaine regularly, describing it as an addiction.

“His last significant conviction was in 2012. There are alternatives [to custody] available; there is potential for a community payback order with unpaid work."

Sheriff Leslie said: "It is quite clear in the circumstances that you were involved in something.

“You are on benefits; why have you suddenly got £3,500 of cocaine in your possession?

“You pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply, and cocaine is a curse in this jurisdiction.”

Renshaw’s six-month jail term was reduced from seven because of his guilty plea.