AN ALLEGED cannabis farmer accused of operating from a Penrith town centre property that appeared to be a wedding dress shop has had his case sent to Carlisle Crown Court.

Thanh Nguyen, 24, who said he has not fixed abode, declined to enter a plea when he appeared before a district judge at the city’s Rickergate court.

The prosecution alleges that the defendant, a Vietnamese national, was producing the Class B drug in a building at Middlegate, Penrith, on July 11 this year.

The estimated value of the drugs involved is up to £360,000, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Lauren Heasley said the defendant, who was assisted by an interpreter, was not yet ready to enter a plea to the allegation.

He spoke only to confirm his personal details.

District Judge John Temperley said the case was not suitable for a summary trial at the magistrates’ court.

He made reference to the 'large scale' of the cannabis operation involved and the potential street value of the cannabis recovered by the police.

He told the defendant: “In my view, this case is too serious to be dealt with in this  court, so I will send the case to a higher court, the crown court.”

The District Judge remanded Nguyen in custody. District Judge Temperley told the defendant that his case will be next heard in Carlisle Crown Court on August 9.

Cumbria Police yesterday issued a statement confirming that officers had raided premises in Middlegate, Penrith, and discovered nearly 1,000 cannabis plants.