AN ARMED services veteran has admitted possessing the class A drug cocaine with intent to supply.

Paul Fearon, 40, admitted the offence when he appeared at Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court. Court papers confirm that the allegation relates to events in Carlisle on October 30 last year.

After hearing legal representation, District Judge John Temperley said that Fearon’s case would be sent to Carlisle Crown Court for sentence because his powers of punishment were insufficient.

That hearing will be on May 20. 

In the meantime, Fearon, of Sewell Lane, Carlisle, was granted unconditional bail. His defence lawyer Tariq Khawam told the court that there will be mitigation relating to Fearon’s military career.

In the dock accused of an identical offence was Wayne Messenger, 40, also of Sewell Lane, Carlisle. He declined to enter a plea to that charge and a second allegation of being concerned in the supply of the same drug.

His case was also sent to the crown court for a hearing on May 20. Messenger will be asked to enter his plea on that occasion. He too was granted unconditional bail.