A MAN changed his plea ahead of a trial, and pleaded guilty to dealing drugs in Worcestershire.

Amar Ghalib was due at Worcester Crown Court for a pre trial hearing on Tuesday, December 1, but at the start his advocate Charnjit Jutla said having discussed the matter with his client prior to the hearing, the 37-year-old wished to be rearraigned.

Ghalib, of Maryland Avenue, Birmingham but who is currently in custody, then pleaded guilty to possession of diamorphine (heroin) on February 3 this year, with intent to supply.

And Ghalib also admitted a second count of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine on the same date.

Mr Jutla told the court that Ghalib was admitting the offence on a basis of plea that had been submitted to the court.

Timothy Sapwell, prosecuting, told Judge Nicholas Cole that the Crown would need time to consider the basis of plea.

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The court then heard that Ghalib’s co-accused Zishaan Imran, had earlier pleaded guilty to the same counts.

The 26-year-old, of Heathfield Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, had also pleaded guilty on a basis of plea that the Crown needs to consider.

Judge Cole agreed he could not move to sentence, so would set the sentencing date for Friday, January 15.

Mr Sapwell said if either or both basis of pleas were not accepted, ahead of sentencing on that date he would ask for a Newton hearing to establish the facts.

This type of hearing is needed when the two sides differ on something, with a judge tasked with ascertaining which party is telling the truth. It could hear evidence from the defendants.

The judge said this would take place, should the crown not accept the basis of pleas.

Asking Ghalib to stand, the judge explained: “You have entered a guilty plea to both counts.

“I’m not going to sentence you today for the reasons you have heard.

“The prosecution need to consider whether they accept your basis of plea.

“You will receive some credit for your guilty plea, it will be a matter for the sentencing judge to determine the extent of that.

"The case will be heard on January 15, in the meantime you will be remanded in custody.”