Chinese man charged with growing cannabis at Chester house

Jul 21 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

A CHINESE man charged with growing cannabis will claim he thought he was “growing flowers” at his forthcoming trial.

Ming Zhou, 45, appeared in custody at Chester Crown Court on Monday (July 21) where, through an interpreter, he pleaded not guilty to cultivating cannabis.

Peter Moss, defending, told the court: “I’m sorry to do this to the interpreter but this is a case in which the `Percy Thrower’ defence will be used, that is to say that he believes he was cultivating flowers.”

Zhou is accused of running a cannabis factory at a house in Cotebrook Drive, Upton.

The case was adjourned for trial at Chester Crown Court on July 29. Another matter concerning alleged false identity documents will be considered separately and was adjourned until September 8 for plea. Zhou was remanded in custody.