A MAN accused of growing a 400-plant cannabis farm in South Tyneside has had his court case delayed – for the third time in a week.
Duong Van Nguyen, who faces a charge of producing a Class B drug, first appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
But the 19-year-old’s case was adjourned because there was no interpreter at court for the Vietnamese and it was relisted on Monday.
No translator was at court that day and the court adjourned again until yesterday – when the same thing happened.
Nguyen, of no fixed abode, was due back before magistrates today when an interpreter was booked for a 2pm appearance.
He was arrested a week ago after being found inside a house in Sunderland Road, South Shields, which had about 400 cannabis plants inside, worth at least £500,000.
He was been remanded in custody since then.
Kayleigh Helens, defending, told the court that she had managed to speak to the defendant – using an interpreter over the telephone – and explained what was happening.
She said: “The situation is regrettable. I hope it is resolved tomorrow.”