A BODYBUILDER businessman was jailed on Friday for his involvement in international drug-running.

Martin Yates-Brown, 55, of Middleton St George, a former senior Mr Britain, received a three-year prison term for serving as a middle man involved in importing cannabis to the North of England from Holland.

He owned the Classic World of Fitness chain which had a branch in Weir Street, Darlington, to where 105kg of cannabis resin was moved.

He was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs between March 1998 and September 1999.

He agreed to turn Queen's evidence against alleged gang members after undercover police officers infiltrated the group.

They were eventually arrested and charged, but the case against five men was thrown out in February after the judge said Yates-Brown had lied.

Judge Les Spittle said: "I am satisfied that you saw this as a means of extending your influence. What you were involved in was very serious and that is why I am giving you three years."

During Friday's proceedings John Tansey, 35, of Scira Court, Darlington, was given a 15-month jail term, suspended for two years, and Neil Coates, 32, of Victoria Embankment, Darlington, was given a community punishment order for his involvement.