A drug dealer has been told he will be sentenced in the New Year to allow him time to fund his own defence barrister.

Ross Lynch was not able to access Legal Aid to pay for legal representation, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A – cocaine following his arrest on October 3 this year.

The court heard how the defendant had sufficient funds to pay for legal representation but needed time to arrange payment with his bank.

Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, adjourned sentencing until January 22.

He said: “It would not be right nor fair to proceed today when you intend to instruct your solicitors privately, when they have, out of courtesy to the court and you, appeared today without

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