A drugs trial involving three brothers accused of selling crack cocaine from a Skipton restaurant has been halted after a key witness was taken ill.

The jury in the case at Doncaster Crown Court against Aklu Miah, Babru Miah and Fojlu Miah, all of Keighley and facing charges of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, has been discharged.

A new jury will be sworn in for a new trial to start again at Doncaster in May.

All three men were yesterday remanded in custody and a fourth person, Jane Thomas, 23, now of Manchester, who is charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs, was remanded on bail. All four have pleaded not guilty.

Former Detective Constable Mick May became ill on Friday when giving evidence and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The court was adjourned until the seriousness of his illness could be established. He was unable to resume yesterday and the case was halted.

Listing's officer Adrian Cooper said: "The trial has been abandoned and the jury discharged. A new one will be sworn in and a new trial is expected to start on May 8."

The trial so far is expected to have cost in the region of £30,000.

Detective Inspector Neil Thewsey, of Skipton police, said: "The witness started to give evidence last week but became ill. The trial was stopped. It can't go ahead without him."

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