Reading Magistrates' Court: Thatcham man set for drug dealing trial

A THATCHAM man has been sent to the crown court to stand trial on a drug dealing charge.

Elliott Mark Bedward appeared for a preliminary hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 17.

The 25-year-old, of Boscawen Way, is accused of being concerned in the supply of the Class A controlled drug cocaine in Thatcham between January 23 and January 28 last year.

Mr Bedward, who was legally represented by Jo Benn, spoke only to confirm his details and to deny the single charge.

Magistrates ruled that, in the event of a conviction, their own powers of punishment could be insufficient.

They therefore declined further jurisdiction and sent the case to be tried by a judge and jury sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Mr Bedward was meanwhile granted unconditional bail.