A young footballer returning from a holiday in Thailand was stopped at Manchester Airport and found to be carrying nearly 40 kilograms of cannabis. He admitted to police that he brought the drugs into the UK to repay a debt owed by a friend.
A promising young footballer was stopped at Manchester Airport upon his return from a lads' holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, and admitted to police that he had 'not been honest' about the contents of his luggage. Jamie Kilcourse, 21, from Huyton, was questioned by Border Force officers on October 8 last year about the two large suitcases he carried. He confirmed he had packed them and denied carrying anything for another person before handing over the keys.
However, a search revealed 64 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis weighing 38.78 kilograms. Kilcourse confessed to police, stating, 'I haven't been honest - I didn't pack the suitcases.'During his testimony in Manchester Crown Court on January 15, Kilcourse explained his involvement. He had to leave his football career with Tranmere Rovers to become a full-time carer for his grandmother, who was diagnosed with cancer. He also cared for his grandfather and received a carer's allowance. Kilcourse stated, 'My mum and dad couldn't afford to take time off work so I stepped down from my career and cared for my grandad and my nan.' He emphasized that his job involved regular drug testing and he had no issues with alcohol or drugs. He traveled to Thailand with friends using his savings. When asked about the trip's purpose, Kilcourse said it followed his grandmother's death, adding, 'I decided to go Thailand because my mum and dad had recently split up, the closest person to me was my nan. I was mentally not right, so I got away to make myself better. I went with my mates to take some time and get my head off things.'Kilcourse admitted to bringing the drugs into the UK to 'take responsibility' for a friend's drug debt. He explained, 'It was a stupid decision. My mate's only 18 and I felt responsible to take it on. Now, looking back, I should never have got myself in it - I deeply regret that.' He stated that while on holiday, some friends stayed in a separate villa. As they prepared for the night, they were informed they owed money to individuals known as 'some Scouse lads' also in Thailand. He said they pointed to some suitcases and stated 'someone needed to do it', and he took responsibility because he was 'the oldest'. He admitted, 'I didn't know what was inside, I thought it was money. When I found out it was illegal, I was distraught and I regret it.' Kilcourse asserted that he received 'not one penny' for transporting the drugs and expressed being 'sickened' by the cannabis upon discovering its contents. His barrister, Katie Walden, argued for a suspended sentence, emphasizing Kilcourse's remorse, regret, and realistic prospect of rehabilitation, stating his desire to return to football, either as a player or a coach. She mentioned his three months in custody.Judge Timothy Smith sentenced Kilcourse to ten months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirements. While acknowledging Kilcourse's good character, the judge warned, 'You are somebody a lot of people speak well of. Do not be tempted to involve yourself in this again, because you know what the consequences are.'
DRUG TRAFFICKING FOOTBALLER MANCHESTER AIRPORT THAILAND SUSPENDED SENTENCE REHABILITATION
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