A trial date has been set after a woman, who went viral after losing her pet parrot, was charged with drug offences, alongside four others.
Sandra Hannah, of Cumberland Gate in Netherton, became a social media hit in 2020 after she recorded herself crying and repeatedly calling for her African Grey parrot Chanel. But today she appeared before the court after being charged on suspicion of the importation of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
The ECHO previously reported that Steven Garbutt, Ian Hannah and Sandra Hannah all pleaded not guilty at their last appearance before the court.
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It comes after a joint operation between Merseyside Police and the National Crime Agency. During the two-day operation officers found 237.6kg of cannabis resin imported from Spain. Police said this was been valued at approximately £792,000.
Today, Sandra Hannah appeared before the court wearing a black dress and with pink hair alongside Ian Hannah and Steven Garbutt. They did not speak during the short hearing.
Also appearing before the court were two other defendants Shahbaaz Shahid and Aftkhar Shah who were charged with conspiracy to import class B drugs. Both pleaded not guilty to the offence which spanned from January to April.
A trial date for all five defendants was set for March 4, 2024 estimated to last around three weeks. A further hearing will also be held on November 9.
During the short hearing, it was heard from Prosecution Mr Ben Jones, that there are "ongoing investigations into other potential suspects".
Recorder of Liverpool His Honour Judge Andrew Menary KC said: "You're free to go, your bail is as before. In relation to the new defendants arraigned today, there's an obligation to serve a defence statement due before November 24. All defendants must attend for your trial when required to do so.
"Also the hearing on November 9. If you fail to attend, you'll be in breach of your bail and the trail could still go ahead without you."
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