A DRUGS conspiracy trial involving both cocaine and cannabis has stalled - after one of the alleged conspirators was rushed to hospital.

The case against the six defendants was due to open at Worcester Crown Court today (Wednesday) but hit another snag when it was revealed that one of the alleged conspirators in the so-called County Lines case had to be taken to A&E that same morning.

The defendants are Karl Browning, 42, of Hurcott Road, Kidderminster; Sinead Lavelle, 33, of Saxon Way, Droitwich; Michael Morris, 55, of Maple Road, Rubery; Darren Pegler, 40, of Coronation Road, Kidderminster; Timothy Valentine, 42, of Beacon Hill, Bridgnorth and Vander Browning, 42, of Usmere Road, Kidderminster.

Morris was the defendant who had to attend A&E and it is now hoped the case will be opened tomorrow (Thursday) instead with the jury told to return to the court ready for a 10am start.

Judge Martin Jackson, who is presiding over the trial, thanked the jury for their patience when they returned to the courtroom and explained the reason for the early finish.

He said: "I have to tell you that one of the defendants - Mr Morris - was admitted to hospital, to A&E, at 6am this morning. He's currently - I understand it - under observation in hospital. We don't know at this stage what the position with him is going to be."

The judge explained that Morris was entitled to be here for his trial and that it could be unfair if the trial went ahead in his absence. He assured the jury that 'there is still work being done that is making good use of the time'. "I apologise if it causes any inconvenience to you" he said.

Morris, Karl Browning, Lavelle and Vander Browning deny conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine) between January 1, 2018 and June 1 last year. Valentine denies conspiracy to produce cannabis and conspiracy to supply cannabis between January 1, 2018 and June 1 last year.

Karl Browning and Darren Pegler deny conspiracy to produce cannabis between August 1, 2018 and November 1, 2020.

On Tuesday the jury was sworn and sent away. The case is being prosecuted by Timothy Harrington.

Adam Western defends Karl Browning. Suzanne Payne represents Sinead Lavelle. Andrew Davidson appears for Morris. Michael Aspinall is for Peglar, Jason Aris for Valentine and Julia Powell for Vander Browning.