Leeds drug dealer left £5,000 stash on the train

Thomas Tyszka, 31, was caught after he forgot to remove his luggage containing the illegal stash from a train at Leeds station.

Leeds Crown Court heard staff on board the train became concerned and contacted police after realising the suitcase had been left unattended.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court the case was opened in a bid to find out who it belonged to.

The class B drug was then discovered inside two packages within the case.

After the discovery was made Tyszka re-boarded the train in a bid to retrieve his luggage and was arrested.

Tyszka was then searched and found in possession of £5,500.

Mr Collins said the cannabis weighed just over half a kilogramme and had a street value of up to £5,500.

Tyszka had boarded the train earlier in the day, on September 19 last year, at London Kings Cross.

He was interviewed about the incident but refused to comment. Tyszka, of Raby Road, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.

He has a previous conviction for producing cannabis.

Michael Greenhalgh, mitigating, said Tyszka had agreed to transport the cannabis and the cash in a bid to settle a debt with a drug dealer.

Mr Greenhalgh said Tyszka had a young family and had pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage.

Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, told Tyszka: “It is perfectly apparent that your role in this was a significant one and went beyond being a mere courier of the drugs.

“Your situation is aggravated by the fact that in June 2013 you were convicted by the magistrates court of producing cannabis.

“It demonstrates to me that unless and until you understand that dealing in cannabis is serious you will continue to re-offend.”