A CHARITY boss is still waiting to be sentenced for drugs, weapons and money laundering charges more than a year after admitting a catalogue of offences.
James Rodney Jones, 73, better known as Rod, pleaded guilty to the charges in April last year but now a query about his basis of plea and medical records has resulted in a lengthy delay.
The defendant ran Convoy Aid Romania for almost three decades and the charity exports consignments of donated items to some of its most impoverished areas.
A judge at Teesside Crown Court has given the prosecution and defence teams a week to come to an agreement about the differences or a Newton hearing will take place to decide the facts of the case without the need for a jury.
Recorder Jonathan Sandiford QC said: "It seems to me that there is a certain amount of explanation needed from the defendant to explain away the inferences from the objective evidence.
"So it seems to me that there will have to be a Newton hearing on the basis of plea."
The judge urged both parties to try to resolve issues surrounding an updated medical report into the defendant fitness and medical symptoms.
Robert Mochrie, representing Jones, said: "The position is that the defendant still maintains the basis of plea and given the serious nature of these matters, I would imagine it will require a Newton hearing."
He added: "As far as the basis of plea, he is sticking to his guns on that."
Paul Mitchell, prosecuting, said both parties accepted that an updated medical report was required before sentencing could go ahead.
Jones pleaded guilty to possession of firearms including a sawn-off shotgun; criminal property, cash said to be £26,636; and fraudulent evasion of duty - being involved in evading £19,862 in duty on tobacco products.
The defendant, of Pine Grove, Hartlepool, also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a Class B drug, cannabis, with intent to supply.
Jones was initially remanded in custody but was released on bail last April.
More than a decade ago, Mr Jones ran into trouble on one of his many mercy missions when he was investigated by the Romanian police for a number of alleged firearms offences.
Authorities in Romania seized several guns and air weapons from Mr Jones' residence during the course of their investigations.
The arms – a replica Winchester rife, two replica colt 45s, an air rifle and air gun – were, he said, shipped by mistake to Romania, among a consignment of aid several years earlier.
The case will be listed for another hearing next week to see whether any progress can be made on the issues.
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 Teesside 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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here