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Prosecutor deems drugs case against two teens an 'unmitigated disaster'

Police may have lost witness statements

A prosecutor’s described a drugs case against two teenagers as “an unmitigated disaster” after revealing police may have lost witness statements.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew John George Williams of May Hill and 19-year-old Michael Peter Gawne of Waterloo Road, both of Ramsey, appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes through live video link from the Isle of Man Prison.

Both are accused of producing ecstasy and cannabis with a street value of around £70,000 to the Isle of Man.

Prosecution advocate Barry Swain told the hearing forensic tests on the drugs at a UK laboratory had led to serious delays in the case.

Mr Swain said that five out of 16 witness statements collected by police were likely lost or destroyed by officers.

He also revealed testing the drugs had so far cost £4,000 and the UK lab was charging £200 to add a signature to a report.

Mr Swain apologised for delays, saying coronavirus restrictions had caused problems, and asked for a further adjournment.

Mrs Hughes granted the request, remanding the duo in custody until their next appearance on 6 May.

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