Lewis remanded on drug charge
Former England cricketer Chris Lewis remanded in custody
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Wednesday, 17, Dec 2008 03:22
Former England cricketer Chris Lewis has been remanded in custody after appearing in court via a video link over his arrest for attempted cocaine smuggling.
Mr Lewis, 40, of Bruce Road, London, was arrested after nearly 4kg of cocaine valued at around £200,000 was found by UK Border Agency staff on a flight arriving at Gatwick from St Lucia last week.
The 32-Test veteran appeared before Mid Sussex magistrates court in Crawley via a video link from HMP Highpoint, along with co-defendant Chad Kirnon.
Mr Kirnon, 26, from Islington, London, has denied similar charges. Mr Lewis is yet to enter a plea.
Both men will be held until January 14th, with a committal hearing due to take place at Croydon crown court on January 21st.
The drugs were found in solution in fruit tins following routine baggage checks at Gatwick after the 06:00 GMT arrival from the Caribbean landed on December 8th.
Mr Lewis, an all-rounder, appeared for England in 32 Test matches - taking 93 wickets at 37.52 and averaging 23.02 with the bat.
He struggled to establish his place in the side, however, and many regarded him as an outsider.
Succumbing to sunstroke after shaving his head in the Caribbean was among the unfortunate episodes which marked his international career.
Mr Lewis had attempted to make a comeback in Twenty20 cricket for Surrey earlier this year but injury prevented him making a real impact. He currently works as a cricket coach.