A married couple have appeared before a court accused of cultivating cannabis plants at their Carlisle home.

At Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, District Judge Gerald Chalk was told that medical issues are likely to feature in the trial which is likely to decide the case.

Lesley Jane Gibson, 54, and her husband Mark Gibson, 55, who both live at Yewdale Road, Carlisle, are jointly charged with being concerned in the production of 10 cannabis plants - a class B drug - on January 19 this year.

Both defendants are also charged with one count of possessing the drug.

Through their defencw solicitor Chris Toms, both defendants said they would not formally enter any pleas at this stage.

The couple elected to have their cases dealt with at Carlisle Crown Court.

Judge Chalk formally sent the case to that court for a first hearing on August 12. Both Mark and Lesley Gibson were granted bail.