A former MasterChef contestant who claimed a family emergency was the reason for her gourmet burger van's closure was transporting 20 kilograms of cannabis, a court heard. Kayleigh Bowler, who appeared in the BBC cooking show's quarter-finals last year, was stopped by police on the M6 motorway in Cheshire.
Bowler, 40, had informed customers via Facebook that her business, Kayleigh's Bournemouth – Fine Food For The Masses, was temporarily closed for van refurbishment and a family emergency. In reality, she had driven approximately 250 miles to Merseyside as part of a drug operation that would have earned her £1,000.
Police discovered 44 vacuum-sealed bags containing the cannabis after a member of the public reported suspicious activity involving two vehicles. Bowler admitted to possessing cannabis with intent to supply.
Her defense stated that her catering business had declined, leaving her struggling financially while caring for her two teenage children. The court was told that she felt she had no other option due to her financial difficulties.
District Judge Jack McGarva acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, noting that drug couriers are a vital part of the supply chain. However, he opted to suspend Bowler's sentence, citing a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and the risk that her children could be placed into care if she were imprisoned.
Bowler was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity. She thanked the judge, stating she appreciated the sentence.
Bowler had previously been selected from approximately 20,000 entrants for the 2025 MasterChef series, viewing it as the beginning of a long-held ambition. Despite her culinary aspirations, her business struggles led her to engage in criminal activity. Her barrister described her as not being a sophisticated or experienced street dealer and stated she had since organized her debts and distanced herself from negative influences.