A FATHER of twin babies was jailed yesterday after he was caught with £40,000 worth of amphetamines.

Teesside Crown Court heard that a Cleveland Police dog found 4kg of drugs when officers stopped a car near Leven Viaduct, on the A19, in Teesside.

Matthew Harding, prosecuting, said the driver, 31-year-old Francis Jones, had been promised £500 by a man for transporting the drugs.

Robin Turton, in mitigation, said Jones wanted to make some money after his girlfriend gave birth to twins.

He said: "He has been stupid, foolish and idiotic. He has tried to live a law-abiding life, and to a great deal of his credit, he has succeeded.

"He had kept out of trouble for seven years and he had no previous involvement with drugs.

"His girlfriend has recently given birth to twins and he is more concerned about the mess he has left his family in than any custodial sentence."

Judge Andrew Smith told Jones: "You allowed yourself to be tempted into this, but I am sure you have got the sense to know that any person who gets involved in the supply of drugs is a part of the general picture."

Jones of Silton Close, Redcar, was jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug on August 16 with intent to supply, and also possession of amphetamines found at his home.