TWO suspected cannabis dealers have appeared in court with one facing a possible jail sentence after admitting his part.

Lisa Gilks and Lucas Belmonte appeared before a deputy district judge at Worcester Magistrates Court today (Thursday) on suspicion of dealing the class B drug in Worcester.

Both face an identical charge of possession with intent to supply cannabis to persons unknown in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. 

Malvern Gazette: CASE: Lucas Belmonte pictured outside Worcester Magistrates Court on the day of the hearing CASE: Lucas Belmonte pictured outside Worcester Magistrates Court on the day of the hearing (Image: Newsquest)

Belmonte, 28, of Albion Road, Malvern admitted the offence which took place on June 9 last year. He pleaded guilty on the basis that the offence was the result of a 'drugs debt' he developed 'over time.'

Gilks, 29, also of Albion Road, Malvern, denied the offence on the same date. Both appeared side-by-side in the dock before deputy district judge Daniel Church.

Malvern Gazette: DENIAL: Lisa Gilks checks her phone before her case is called into Worcester Magistrates Court and denies dealing cannabis in Worcester DENIAL: Lisa Gilks checks her phone before her case is called into Worcester Magistrates Court and denies dealing cannabis in Worcester (Image: Newsquest)

Both defendants were represented at the hearing by Chris Hilton.

Aleigha Adams, prosecuting, said it was still the intention of the Crown to pursue a trial in relation to Gilks. Miss Adams said the case was unsuitable for a hearing at magistrates court. Mr Hilton did not make any representations to contradict that view.

Deputy district judge Church said: "If convicted, this court's powers of sentence would clearly be insufficient. I'm going to send the matter for trial at the crown court."

No further details of the case were disclosed in open court. Both defendants spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth, address and their pleas to the single charge. 

The next hearing will take place at 10am at Worcester Crown Court at 10am.

In the meantime, the judge asked Belmonte to speak to the probation service so a pre-sentence report could be prepared on an all-options basis. All options reports include the possibility of custodial and non-custodial sentences.

Both defendants appeared via postal requisition and were granted unconditional bail until the next hearing.