Post by sagesmith on Jul 23, 2014 9:08:29 GMT
From the M.E.N:
"One of Stockport County’s new signings has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Russell Benjamin, 22, signed for the Hatters last month but was arrested following a series of dawn raids by police in Cheshire, Merseyside and north Wales.
The promising midfielder was one of 31 people arrested and charged, and appeared at Chester Crown Court on July 17.
He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.
Liverpool-born Mr Benjamin will next appear in court on September 29 for a plea and case management hearing.
Mr Benjamin, of Derby Place, Chester, missed County’s pre-season friendly at Nantwich Town last Wednesday with the club saying it was because of ‘personal circumstances’.
He had signed from Telford United, who were promoted from the Conference North last season.
Mr Benjamin has yet to play for County and had attended a couple of pre-season training sessions before police informed club officials of his whereabouts.
Upon joining The Hatters he said: “It’s a big club I’ve joined and I’m really pleased it’s done. I feel ready for a new challenge and Stockport is a great move.”
Mr Benjamin has also played for Rochdale and Southport and arrived at Edgeley Park for no fee even though he had a year left on his Telford contract.
Stockport County begin their Conference North campaign on August 9 at home against North Ferriby United.
Jon Keighren, club director, said: “Stockport County Football Club has been made aware of legal proceedings involving one of our players.
“The club is unable to make any statements on this matter while those proceedings are active.”
"One of Stockport County’s new signings has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Russell Benjamin, 22, signed for the Hatters last month but was arrested following a series of dawn raids by police in Cheshire, Merseyside and north Wales.
The promising midfielder was one of 31 people arrested and charged, and appeared at Chester Crown Court on July 17.
He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.
Liverpool-born Mr Benjamin will next appear in court on September 29 for a plea and case management hearing.
Mr Benjamin, of Derby Place, Chester, missed County’s pre-season friendly at Nantwich Town last Wednesday with the club saying it was because of ‘personal circumstances’.
He had signed from Telford United, who were promoted from the Conference North last season.
Mr Benjamin has yet to play for County and had attended a couple of pre-season training sessions before police informed club officials of his whereabouts.
Upon joining The Hatters he said: “It’s a big club I’ve joined and I’m really pleased it’s done. I feel ready for a new challenge and Stockport is a great move.”
Mr Benjamin has also played for Rochdale and Southport and arrived at Edgeley Park for no fee even though he had a year left on his Telford contract.
Stockport County begin their Conference North campaign on August 9 at home against North Ferriby United.
Jon Keighren, club director, said: “Stockport County Football Club has been made aware of legal proceedings involving one of our players.
“The club is unable to make any statements on this matter while those proceedings are active.”
