CITY: A proceeds of crime hearing, which will rule how much a drug dealer must pay back to the authorities, was adjourned until October 10.

Ashley Gunn, aged 20, of Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution in July after pleading guilty to possessing a class-A drug with intent to supply.

Yesterday's proceeds of crime hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was adjourned for six weeks to allow police to sell the defendant's car at an auction so its true value is known and a judge can then set the figure to be seized from Gunn.

MEIR: Shane Crisp, aged 35, of Leason Road, Meir, and Victoria Housley, aged 22, of Westwood Road, Meir, have both denied assaulting Rebecca Barker occasioning her actual bodily harm on May 23.

The case was adjourned for a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to be held in the week commencing October 6.

Both defendants were given bail with the condition they do not contact the complainant.

STAFFS: An accident caused minor congestion on the M6 yesterday.

A single car was involved in the crash on the southbound carriageway, between junctions 15 and 14, at about 11.30am.

The fast lane was closed temporarily following the incident, but the motorway was running as normal within 30 minutes.

No-one was injured.

NEWCASTLE: Richard Oldfield, aged 49, of Daly Crescent, Newcastle, who is charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Hanley on August 9, had his case adjourned by North Staffordshire magistrates until September 10. He was given bail.