A 44-YEAR-OLD woman appeared before magistrates today (Tuesday, June 4) charged with drugs offences following a raid on a lap-dancing club last year.

Red Velvet – County Durham’s only strip club at the time and situated above a chip shop – was raided in December while dancers performed.

Cheryl Byron, appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court accused of supplying just over eight grams of cocaine between September 9, 2012 and October 27 2012 at the Red Velvet, in Consett.

She is further charged with the possession of 12 wraps of cocaine in Consett on December 14 and the possession of 326mg of amphetamine at her home address in Newcastle.

Ms Byron of Aln Court, Lemington, Newcastle, did not indicate a plea.

The case was committed to Durham Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on Tuesday, June 18. Her conditional bail was extended.

Club boss Sonny Gill surrendered the club’s sexual entertainment licence after the drinks licence was revoked.