A 30-year-old man from Merseyside has appeared in court denying offences relating to £442,000 worth of drugs.

James Edward Joseph Searrio, of Wren House, St James Drive, Bootle, pleaded not guilty to two counts of production of cannabis from the UK to the island and two counts of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes declined jurisdiction due to the amount of drugs involved and Mr Searrio will be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on April 24.

No bail application was made and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on March 27 when he will appear in summary court via video link from the prison.

lA former Manx politician has appeared in court after denying breaching data protection laws and will face a two-day trial on August 2 and 3.

Juan Turner, whose age was not given in court, of Park Close, Glen Vine, and his father David Juan Turner, aged 73, of Mountain View, Douglas, have pleaded not guilty to breaching data protection laws between January 2016 and October 2017.

David Juan Turner was also appearing on behalf of companies Island FM Limited and Carrick Creative Limited, accused of the same offence.

Bail continues for both.

Juan Turner’s last sitting as a Member of the Legislative Council took place this week. He has retired from the position.

lA 31-year-old man from Liverpool has appeared in court via video link from the Isle of Man prison

Michael James Keane, of Carr Lane, West Derby, has denied possession of heroin with intent to supply.

He is due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on March 6. He was remanded in custody.

lA 21-year-old Peel man has appeared in court charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possessing criminal property in the sum of £4,077.

Bill Shay Hesketh, of Mourne View, had the case against him adjourned until March 13. Bail was granted in the sum of £500.

lA 19-year-old has been convicted of two counts of assaulting a police officer. Joshua Robert Hall, of Malew Street, Castletown, was excused appearing in court as the case was due for mention only. He will be sentenced on March 6. Bail continues.

lA 69-year-old man from Santon charged with VAT evasion in the region of £4.3million has had his case adjourned.

John George Moore, of Meary Voar, is due to face two counts of evasion of VAT but is yet to appear in court due to ill health.

The case was adjourned until March 27 when a full update on Mr Moore’s health will be required otherwise a warrant for his arrest may be issued.