A MAN found in possession of what was described as a large bag of cannabis told Skipton magistrates it was for personal use and that he bought in bulk because it was cheaper.

Police saw a vehicle drive past them at some speed in Skipton at 10.57pm on November 7 this year, prosecutor Nadine Clough told magistrates.

She said police followed the car in the Castle Street/Devonshire Street area when it stopped and two men ran off. Daniel Brame, 29, was later arrested and interviewed.

Ms Clough said police retrieved a sizeable bag of cannabis from the car. Despite police stating it was a 'large' bag, no weight was given.

A tin with scales and a grinder was found, along with food bags and tobacco though some items were retrieved from the defendant's home.

Brame of East Hill Street, Barnoldswick, admitted possession of cannabis saying he bought in bulk because it was cheaper to do so and used scales so he was not 'diddled'.

No reason was given for him being in Skipton at that time though he is understood to have two children living in Skipton.

Brame was fined £200 with an £80 surcharge and £85 costs. Magistrates ordered forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis and paraphernalia.