A BARROW man has appeared in court accused of possessing cocaine in South Cumbria with intent to supply the illegal class A controlled drug.

Carl Sumnar, aged 39, faces one charge relating to an alleged incident in the Kendal area on December 16 last year.

At Carlisle Crown Court on Friday, Sumnar pleaded not guilty to the charge.

A timetable for the progression of the case was outlined in front of Judge Nicholas Barker by a prosecutor, who stated that two police officers would give evidence in the case.

A brief summary of Sumnar’s defence to the allegation was given by barrister David Traynor.

Sumnar’s trial in front of a jury is set to start at the crown court in the week of May 23 and, it is estimated, will last around two days.

In the meantime Sumnar, of Shakespeare Street, Barrow, will remain on bail.

He was reminded by Judge Barker of an obligation to assist in the preparation of a statement formally setting out his defence to the charge, and outlining any issues he takes with the prosecution case. This must be completed by the final day of March.