A drugs runner who was caught with more than £30,000 worth of cannabis stashed in a suitcase in Newtown has had his sentencing delayed.

Joshua Facciuto, 31, was transporting more than 2.4 kilograms of the Class B drug and £2,000 of cash from Manchester to west Wales when he was stopped by police on the Newtown bypass on May 24, 2021.

The Llanelli man appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday (March 2) for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply. But Judge Rhys Rowlands was unhappy that Facciuto’s barrister appeared on a video link from south Wales for the sentencing.

The judge adjourned the sentencing hearing for three weeks and fixed a new date for March 23 at Swansea Crown Court.

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Judge Rowlands said: “We can’t find anybody to own up who gave for permission to do it over CVP.

"It isn’t our practice here to deal with sentences on the link especially with serious matters with risk of custody."

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Speaking to Facciuto, who was in the dock waiting for his sentence, the judge said: “I’m sorry we can’t deal with it without the defence advocate in court.

"It is a serious matter, and you are at risk of custody. Wires have been crossed. Rather than coming back here at Mold I’ll adjourn for Swansea Crown Court.

“It’s one of those things where wires have been crossed. It’s not Mr Hayes’ [Facciuto’s barrister] fault and he didn’t understand what has gone on.”