TWO brothers-in-law have been jailed after being found in possession of nearly half a million pounds worth of cannabis.

Police raided the homes of David Hughes and Adrian Chadwick in December last year, finding more than 100kg of cannabis resin at the addresses.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis, and were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday.

But Judge David Pugsley accepted their involvement in drug dealing was minimal, describing them as the "fall guys".

Both were asked to look after the cannabis by its owner, and were only in possession of it for a matter of hours.

Paul Spratt, prosecuting, told the court how police visited Chadwick's home in Cauldon Avenue, Cheddleton, on December 15.

They found a suitcase in the garage containing 44.8kg of cannabis resin, which had an estimated street value of £192,000. Chadwick, aged 35, was arrested and co-operated fully.

When 37-year-old Hughes, whose sister is married to Chadwick, found out what had happened he realised there was no escape for him. He brought the 67.6 kg of cannabis he had been storing in his cellar up to his living room, and waited for police.

The drugs found at Hughes' home in Alsop Street, Leek, had an estimated street value of £290,000.

Mr Spratt said: "The source of the drugs is the same. It would appear that they had arrived at the respective addresses at more or less the same time, within 24 hours of the police officers' arrival."

Neither defendant was paid for storing the cannabis, with Chadwick only receiving a £100 reduction of a loan he owed the drugs' owner.

David Bentley, defending Chadwick, told the court that his client had a troubled history in his youth, but since his last custodial sentence in 1995, he has attempted to rebuild his life, getting married and starting a family.

Mr Bentley said: "He has very real regrets at the position he has brought upon himself.

"He's disappointed with himself that he has destroyed what has taken 15 years to build.

"He doesn't come before this court looking to blame others. He has broad shoulders and is prepared to accept his responsibilities."

William Baker, defending Hughes, said his client had also stayed out of trouble for more than 10 years. He said that when Hughes had received a text asking him to look after the drugs, he had not been thinking clearly.

Mr Baker said: "His own brother was losing an eye in hospital, and he was due to see his two daughters.

"He was under some emotional pressure and he foolishly agreed to store the cannabis.

"There is no suggestion that he has made any money from this. He received no payment. It's clear that he has a humble lifestyle, sharing a house with his mother."

Neither defendant had any previous convictions for drugs-related offences.

Judge Pugsley sentenced the pair to 10 months' imprisonment, minus the time they had already served.

He said he accepted neither defendant had started the conspiracy, and he was prepared to give them a chance.

Judge Pugsley said: "You were the falls guys. You were the warehouse men for these drugs for a short period of time, and you made nothing from it.

"I want this to send out the message, 'Don't play with drugs.'"