Robert Hughes has admitted three charges of possessing drugs intending to supply, but Preston Crown Court was hearing a trial into the basis of his guilty pleas.

The court heard he was arrested just after midnight one night last October in the car park of Applejax nightclub on Farrington Street, Chorley – near the town magistrates and police station buildings.

Prosecutor Kirsten McAteer said the club manager and police were alerted after the defendant and others had been spotted on security cameras acting suspiciously.

He was found with six bags of cocaine. Later searches at his home unearthed 87 ecstasy tablets as well as cannabis bush and resin.

Father-of-two, Hughes, 28, of Eaves Lane, Chorley, told the court he sold cars for a Leyland company and also on a personal basis.

At the time of the offences he said he was "permanently stoned on cannabis, even when I was working".

He said two men turned up at his home asking him to look after a haul of drugs, adding: "I was reminded that I had sold them a dodgy car. I felt under pressure."

Recorder Simon Parrington said after hearing evidence he rejected the claim Hughes was holding onto the drugs to keep them safe.

Hughes was remanded on bail while a background report is prepared. He will be sentenced on October 1.

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