Hartlepool businessman appears in court charged over huge cannabis growth worth up to £390,000

BusinessmanMatt Matharu, 56, is accused of production of cannabis, a class B drug, valued between £238,340 and £392,700.

The offence is said to have taken place at Hartlepool between July 1, 2017 and March 23, 2018.

Matharu, of Eldon Grove, Hartlepool, indicated a plea of not guilty when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The case was sent to Teesside Crown Court due to the seriousness of the charge.

District Judge Helen Cousins said: “Mr Matharu, my powers wouldn’t be sufficient in the event of you being found guilty so it’s not a matter that can stay in this court.

"It has to go to the crown court.”

The case will be next heard in front of a judge on March 23. Matharu, was granted unconditional bail in the meantime.

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