A DRUG dealer who had heroin and cocaine and a hunting knife at a Worcester hotel has had his case adjourned because he faces other criminal charges in another court.

Ethan Bell, previously known as Ethan Bell-Milne, was acquitted by a jury of the attempted murder of Keil Mansfield in George Street, Worcester during his trial last December but faces drugs charges.

He appeared again at Worcester Crown Court on Monday via videolink from HMP Brinsford on drugs charges.

His case was adjourned until March 22 when another hearing is set to take place at Worcester Crown Court.

This adjournment is so the court can await the result of other criminal proceedings against Bell which are being heard at Gloucester Crown Court on March 15.

The 20-year-old had previously admitted possession of both heroin and cocaine with intent to supply and possession of a blade (a hunting knife) in a public place.

However, prosecutor Amiee Parkes said the Crown did not accept Bell's basis of plea which was that he was acting under duress.

The offences happened at the Premier Inn in New Road, Worcester on June 8 last year, three days before the stabbing of Mr Mansfield who collapsed and was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Bell, previously of Himley Street, Dudley, appeared on the large screen before judge Nicolas Cartwright.

Judge Cartwright told the defendant: "It's too early to know quite what to do about your basis of plea or whether your case is going to be transferred to Gloucester or the Gloucester case here."

He asked that Bell be produced in person at the next hearing rather than over the videolink.

Bell was represented at the hearing by Caroline Harris who also represented him during his attempted murder trial which saw him cleared by a jury.

In the meantime Bell was remanded in custody.