A 42-year-old man has been charged with cultivating cannabis and two counts of possessing it.

Michael Gerald Campbell, of Mines Road, Foxdale, told magistrates he would only give his name as ’Michael’.

Mr Campbell asked if he could hand a piece of paper to the Clerk to the Justices James Brooks but Mr Brooks declined to accept it.

He then said: ’I understand this court is a trust. The matter should not be tried as it is a trust and I am the beneficiary.’

Prosecuting advocate James Robinson told the court that the allegations involved £980-worth of cannabis and two plants.

When asked for a plea Mr Campbell replied: ’I don’t plea at the moment, sir.’

Clerk to the Justices Mr Brooks said that this would therefore be taken as a not guilty plea and a pre-trial review was set for February 11.

Mr Campbell then said: ’I’ve been unable to obtain representation.

’I’m told it would embarrass the court.’

Bail was granted but Mr Campbell said that he could not sign the bail bond.