Julie Scott, a 67-year-old wheelchair-bound pensioner, and Kane Hayes, 25, have appeared in court accused of dealing cannabis from their home in Lynemouth, Northumberland. The pair also allegedly dealt pregabalin and gabapentin, both class C drugs.
Court Appearance and Charges
Appearing at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, Scott and Hayes, both of Fenham Road, were each charged with one count of possession of a class B drug (cannabis) with intent to supply and two counts of possession of a class C drug (pregabalin and gabapentin) with intent to supply. The charges stem from an incident on July 7, 2023, when the drugs were allegedly found at their address.
The defendants withheld their pleas to all matters, speaking only to confirm their names, dates of birth, and addresses.
Prosecution Argument
Clare Haswell, prosecuting, told the court: "The Crown would say that this is a matter that can be dealt with in these courts. The allegation involves the defendants selling directly to users. If the defendants are found guilty, you have the option to commit for sentence."
Magistrates accepted jurisdiction, but both Scott and Hayes elected to have their case heard at the crown court.
Case Sent to Crown Court
Chairing magistrate Prof Kenneth Toft said: "You have elected to go to the crown court and you will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on August 5 at 10am. You are on unconditional bail but you must attend on that date and time or the case could proceed without you."
