A JUDGE has asked for an account for “unexplained entries” into the bank account of a man who is facing sentence for a drug dealing offence.

Daniel Cheesemond admitted a charge of possession of 12.2g of cocaine with intent to supply on the day his case was listed for trial at Durham Crown Court, in January.

The 30-year-old defendant, of Swan Walk, Spennymoor, previously also admitted criminal damage to a Mercedes Benz car, both offences said to have taken place on June 9, 2020.

Listed sentence hearings in the case have been adjourned as Judge Ray Singh has inquired over “unexplained entries” in the defendant’s bank account, which has come to light.

Elizabeth Muir, prosecuting, said she is awaiting a decision from the Crown if any further charges may be brought.

Read more: Darlington heroin addict was 'manipulated' into drug dealing

Lewis Kerr, for the defendant, told the latest hearing that the defence has instructed a financial expert to conduct forensic examination of the bank account, as it contains about 1,000 transactions over a two-and-a-half-year period.

Judge Singh said he merely asked for an account as to what the money was being paid in for.

“How long does it take for that?

“The defendant needs to offer some explanation.

“The Crown is saying these are ‘unexplained credits’.

“I’ll allow this defendant one final opportunity to give some indication.

“It does not need to be every transaction.

“It may make the defendant’s case better, but it may do the opposite.”

He said if examples for the credits are given to the court they should not be, “cherry-picked” by the defence to give a favourable impression.

“I need a general explanation as to why hundreds of individuals, with different names, different quantities, are giving him money.”

Judge Singh adjourned the case for sentence on April 14 and remanded the defendant to remain in custody.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054