Two in dock accused of drugs conspiracy roles

Robyn Anderton and Darren Charnock, both from Leigh, were in the dock at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of conspiring to supply the class A illicit substances.

Neither entered a plea during the hearing and both have now been sent to Bolton Crown Court.

The court was told Anderton, of Palace Grove in Higher Folds, and Charnock, of Warrington Road in Leigh, are accused of being part of a large operation involving making and selling drugs.

Prosecuting, Tess Kenyon said there was no suggestion 22-year-old Anderton and Charnock, 28, were “street dealers” but said both stood accused of taking part in the conspiracy.

The incidents of conspiring to supply cocaine and diamorphine happened between February 24 and March 6, the court was told.

Arresting those suspected of involvement in the drugs ring has been a massive job for both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and their colleagues in Lancashire Police.

Seven other defendants have already appeared in the magistrates’ courts on the same conspiracy charge Anderton and Charnock faced.

Three defendants will now appear at Burnley Crown Court on April 4 while a further four defendants have already appeared in front of Wigan and Leigh magistrates.

They will now appear at Bolton Crown Court on April 12, the same day Charnock and Anderton will face a judge.

Defending, Colin Rawson said both clients were of good character and told the bench the defendants who had already been in court in Wigan had been granted bail.

Anderton was released on conditional bail while Charnock was remanded in custody. Several family members were present in court to witness the proceedings.

The court was also told that two other suspects remain at large but are wanted by the police.