[A] MAN accused of involvement in a Carlisle cocaine supply plot has told a jury he knew nothing about it.
Gurparshad Singh Rothore, 23, is on trial at the city’s crown court having denied two charges – allegedly conspiring to supply cocaine, and allegedly possessing criminal property (cash).
Rothore was stopped while driving south on the M6 near Penrith on November 1. Police found almost £9,000 inside a jacket in the back of his Audi A4 convertible.
His passenger, Jose Mboma, 21, has admitted the two charges. Giving evidence today (WED), Rothore said cash-strapped Mboma claimed they made at least four trips from Yorkshire to Carlisle to see his girlfriend and “pick up some money”.
Rothore was unaware Mboma, then a work colleague, had involvement in cocaine with people in Carlisle, and didn’t know £8,970 was in his car.
Rothore, of Street Lane, Leeds, was asked by his barrister why he was “plainly upset and emotional” in the witness box. “Because I haven’t done anything wrong,” he replied, “and I feel I am being accused of something I haven’t done.”
Two Carlisle men have also admitted the drug conspiracy charge.
The trial continues.
