A COUPLE who "babysat" a stash of amphetamine at their Darwen home have both been given suspended jail terms.

Police discovered the drugs while investigating the seizure of a stolen laptop computer.

A total of 575 grams of the drug were found at the London Terrace address.

A supplier had taken amphetamine to the house and husband Reid Stephenson had felt there was no alternative but to do as he was told.

The 42-year-old man and his 43-year-old wife, Lindsey, married with three children, had both pleaded guilty to possessing amphetamine with intent to supply.

The case follows a police visit to their home in September last year, to investigate a stolen computer.

Before the sentencing hearing, the couple had earlier claimed that police had watered down the drug, to make the quantity look bigger and planted it around the house.

That claim was later withdrawn. Mr Mark Kellet, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said the husband went on to be cautioned for handling a stolen laptop.

When police asked if there was anything else on the premises, as they wanted to do a search, Lindsey Stephenson said: "There's some amphetamine."

The prosecution said its street value would have been between £2,800 and £5,700.

Mr Ian Dacre, for Reid Stephenson, aid the drugs had been brought round to the house by someone he knew.

"He felt he had no alternative, but to take the drugs in."

Mr Michael Murray, for Lindsey Stephenson, said the drugs had not been requested, but foisted on the defendants.

The husband was given 52 weeks prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and 100 hours unpaid work.

His wife was given 28 weeks prison, suspended for two years, with two years supervision.