A MAN who stored equipment for his brothers’ drug supply enterprise has walked free from court.

Kenneth Cox kept a strong-arm press, which is used for compressing and packing cocaine, in his lock-up garage. The 38-year-old also had large quantities of substances frequently used as cutting agents for the drug in his house when he was arrested.

A judge imposed a suspended sentence after hearing Cox was a single father and afraid of people further up the drugs supply chain .

Charles Thomas, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how police arrested Cox in a series of raids on September 21 last year.

He said earlier that day his brothers Julian and Gary had also been arrested and cocaine worth up to £18,000 had been seized from a car one of them was in.

Detectives had kept the three under surveillance and Kenneth had been seen going to his garage the months leading up to the arrests. He said the defendant’s fingerprints were found on the press, as well as traces of cocaine and cutting agents.

Although no drugs were found on Kenneth Cox, his brothers had about a quarter of a kilogram at street deal purity and an ounce at 90 per cent purity.

Cox, of Urchfont Way, Penhill, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Alex Daymond, defending, said his client played a lesser role and was afraid of people he knew through his brothers. “He has no drug problem. He has made a serious mistake,” he said.

An 18-month jail term was imposed, suspended for two years. Cox will also have to do 180 hours of unpaid work and observe a 9pm to 6am curfew for four months.

Julian Cox, 36, of Deburgh Street, Rodbourne, and Gary Cox, 33, of Ipswich Street, Gorse Hill, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine. They will be sentenced in the New Year with other men.