A man from Liverpool has admitted trying to smuggle £47,530 in cash out of the island hidden in a secret compartment in a car.

Thomas William Harrison pleaded guilty to attempting to remove criminal property from the island and was committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Harrison was boarding the ferry at the Sea Terminal in Douglas with a Renault Twingo on February 24 at 7pm.

He was said to have appeared nervous and at one point was physically sick.

Police said that he gave conflicting information when asked why he had been visiting the island.

A smell of cannabis was coming from the Twingo and after using a police sniffer dog, officers found a hide with a trap door under the passenger seat.

Four packages of cash were hidden inside, totalling £47,530.

Harrison, who lives at Java Road and is 40, was arrested and taken to police headquarters.

As he was charged Harrison said: ‘Can I just ask a question? Is it illegal to have just under £50,000? Is it illegal to have a secret compartment in your car?’

During an interview he gave ‘no comment’ responses to all questions.

Ms Carroon said that the case would need to go to the Court of General Gaol Delivery so that a confiscation order could be made for the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act, but submitted that it was not suitable for summary court sentencing regardless of this.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander submitted that the case was suitable to remain in summary court, had it not been for the required confiscation order.

Ms Alexander said that the sentencing starting point for amounts of £50,000 was 18 months custody, but after credit had been given for her client’s guilty plea and personal mitigation had been submitted, the 12-month maximum summary court sentencing powers would be sufficient.

The advocate also asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing and said that a basis of plea would be discussed.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks ruled that the case was suitable for summary court sentencing, had it not been for the confiscation order.

This will mean that the sentencing deemster at the higher court will be limited to a maximum of 12 months’ custody.

No bail application was made and Harrison is remanded in custody.