A 38-YEAR-old has denied possession of £10,000 worth of crack cocaine with intent to supply to Worcester drug users.

Neon McKenzie, of Bull Lane, West Bromwich, pleaded not guilty to the offence when he appeared at a plea and trial preparation hearing, held at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, February 17.

McKenzie spoke only to confirm his identity and to plead not guilty to possession of cocaine, a class A drug, with intent to supply, when the indictment was put to him.

The drugs were found in a car that was stopped by police on the A448 Bromsgrove road. The offence is alleged to have happened on January 4 this year.

William Dudley, prosecuting, read out the stage dates, when reports and evidence for the case need to be disclosed by prosecution and defence.

The prosecutor added that he anticipated it will be a short trial, potentially up to two days.

The case has been placed in a warned list which means the trial could begin on or after June 29 this year.

At the end of the hearing McKenzie was told to stand, and Judge Nicholas Cartwright told him the case would take place either at Worcester Crown Court or Hereford Crown Court.

McKenzie was warned by the judge that failure to attend the trial would mean there would be “every chance” it would continue in his absence, with the jury being told he had chosen not to attend.

Judge Cartwright added that if he was not present he would also then risk forfeiting his right to give evidence in his defence at the trial.

McKenzie was remanded in custody until the trial.

See worcesternews.co.uk for updates on this case and more news from Worcester Crown Court.

READ MORE: Man denies causing assault by beating and to possession of knife

READ MORE: Parents upset after Worcester nursery's immediate closure