A 46-year-old man was caught by a security officer removing a tube full of illegal drugs out of his anus in the Isle of Wight Festival search tent.

Joseph Bradshaw, of High Street, Wootton, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 20.

He previously pleaded guilty to three charges of drug possession, namely amphetamine, MDMA and cannabis.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said Bradshaw entered the Seaclose Park festival site at 5.50pm on Friday, June 21, alerting a “drug dog” at the entrance.

Isle of Wight Festival 2024Isle of Wight Festival 2024 (Image: IWCP)

Bradshaw was sent to the narcotics tent for a search, and, as a security officer entered, he was caught in the act removing a “cylindrical item from his anus,” said Ms McConnell. 

Inside the six-inch by one-inch item were a few grams of cannabis, amphetamine (speed) and around 15 green-coloured pills, later confirmed as MDMA (ecstasy), the court heard.

Ms McConnell told magistrates that police searched Bradshaw’s home, discovering cannabis hidden in a Tesco freezer bag, poo bags and 11 jars.

In 2021, Bradshaw was handed a suspended sentence for the production of cannabis and, in 2010, was convicted of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Tom Cooke, defending, said it “sounds like a lot” of drugs were found at his client’s home, but claimed it was just “dregs”.

Mr Cooke said Bradshaw suffered a “tragic loss at a young age,” and it was cannabis that helped him through.

Magistrates handed Bradshaw a 12-month community order, to include 80 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.

He must also pay a fine, court costs and a surcharge fee.