POLICE who followed a car in Redditch discovered £1,000 cash and 707 grammes of herbal cannabis inside the vehicle, a jury heard.

The driver, Russell Chew, ran off and was chased by officers around a house before disappearing inside.

He emerged after negotiations and was arrested, said Antonie Muller, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Also in the vehicle was an extendable baton.

Chew, aged 22, of Langley Close, Redditch, denies possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

His car aroused the suspicions of police on November 28 and they followed it to the home of the defendant's father, said Mr Muller.

A 'farcical scene' ensued as Chew ran all around the property pursued by officers.

The cash was found in the glovebox and the drugs in two plastic bags inside a rucksack on the back seat. The baton was down the side of the rear seat.

Chew's fingerprints were identified on both bags of cannabis but he told police he had provided a passenger with the bags and had given a variety of people lifts that day.

Mr Muller said he claimed the £1,000 was connected with repairs or the buying of the Astra. He knew nothing about the rucksack or the baton.

The prosecutor told the jury they had to decide whether the drugs and baton belonged to the defendant or whether someone else left them in his car.

The trial continues.