Crack cocaine drug dealer may learn his fate next month

Shaun O'Brian, of Duke Edinburgh Way, Malvern, admitted being in possession of crack cocaine, and of diamorphine, with intent to supply on September 27 this year when he appeared at the court.

The 40-year-old also denied having a bladed article, a knife, in Coronation Road, Malvern, on the same date during the hearing held on Monday, (October 25).

His co-accused, Katie Harris, also of Duke Edinburgh Way, Malvern, pleaded not guilty to the two drug charges, and also denied having a knife at the same location - but admitted a charge of driving whilst disqualified and without insurance on September 27.

After the indictment was read out, and the defendants gave their pleas, Alison Scott-Jones, prosecuting, asked Judge Nicholas Cartwright if the crown could have seven days to review if the pleas were acceptable to them.

Judge Cartwright agreed to this request, but decided the best course of action was to set two dates, depending on the outcome of the crown's decision.

The judge explained that if their pleas are accepted by the crown, so the prosecution don't seek a trial, the court will move to sentence that will be scheduled to take place on November 17.

But, the judge said, if the pleas are not accepted the pair should return for a plea and trial preparation hearing that will take place on November 9.

O'Brian was represented by Mark Sheward, while Nick Berry represented Harris, and both offered no representations when asked about their thoughts on the timetable.

Pre-sentence reports were ordered for both Harris and O'Brian.

The judge ordered O'Brian to remain in custody while Harris was given conditional bail, but with the additional condition to co-operate with probation on the writing of the report.

"It is very much in your best interests to co-operate with them," the judge said.

At the end of the hearing, after the judge have left Court 1, there was a shout of "love you Shaun" from the public gallery to O'Brian who had appeared via videolink.