A man has admitted cocaine and cannabis supply crimes committed in the Carlisle area.
But as he adjourned the case of William Robinson ahead of a sentencing hearing, a judge has asked for the Crown Prosecution Service to explain why it has taken nearly three years to charge the defendant and bring the case to court.
Robinson, 24, was arrested on March 6 2020, for offences committed on that date.
He was not charged until December 29 2022, and attended a magistrates’ court hearing before appearing at Carlisle Crown Court this week.
During that latter hearing, Robinson admitted possessing cocaine and cannabis, with intent to supply both illegal substances to another.
Judge Nicholas Barker adjourned his case and asked for a probation service report to be prepared before the defendant is sentenced.
But Judge Barker also asked why the case had taken so long to reach court in an exchange with prosecutor Peter Barr, who replied by saying he would ask the reviewing Crown Prosecution Service lawyer in the case for an explanation.
Robinson, of Cotsford Lane, Horden, near Peterlee, was granted bail and will receive his punishment at the crown court on a date to be fixed.
