Chinese man in court for growing cannabis at Chester house

Jul 30 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

A JURY at Chester Crown Court has begun hearing evidence against a Chinese man accused of growing cannabis at a house in the suburbs of Chester.

Zhou Ming, 46, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to growing the plants at the address in Cotebrook Drive, Upton, based on his defence that he will say he thought he was cultivating “valuable flowers”.

John Oates, prosecuting, told the jury the Crown considered that to be “a lie”. All prosecution witnesses are giving evidence in statement form because it is not disputed by the defence.

Peter Moss, defending, was expected to give his client’s version of events on Wednesday afternoon (July 30).

An interpreter is relaying to the defendant in Mandarin Chinese everything said in court. The verdict is anticipated on Thursday.

Full story in Friday’s Chronicle.