Jess Battison
There’s a lot of weird, mad things that come to mind when we think back to 2020 that we’d rather forget.
But one thing seems unshakeable, and we’re happy to keep it alive. No, not a virus, but the echoing shouts of ‘Chanel’ in our mind.
Back in April of that year, Sandra Hannah went viral after she filmed herself crying and calling for her African Grey parrot Chanel.
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Luckily, she was able to reunite with her beloved pet who had escaped to the skies in Cumberland Gate, Netherton.
But in the three years since, Hannah’s life has taken quite the turn – she’s now set to face trial over a £792,000 drugs haul.
The mum appeared in court yesterday (11 October) after being charged on suspicion of the importation of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
She previously pleaded not guilty in court, alongside two of the four others involved in the case.
This all came after a joint operation between Merseyside Police and the national Crime Agency when officers found 237.6kg of cannabis resin imported from Spain, as reported by Liverpool Echo.
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Police say the stash has been valued at a round £792,000 with photos showing ‘dozens of Citronella’ tubs containing the cannabis resin.
Hannah appeared in court alongside Steven Garbutt and Ian Hannah and none of them spoke during the hearing.
Two other defendents, Shahbaaz Shahid and Aftkhar Shah, also appeared before the court and were charged with conspiracy to import class B drugs – they both pleaded not guilty to the offence between January and April this year.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, Prosecution Mr Ben Jones also said during the short hearing there are ‘ongoing investigations into other potential suspects’.
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A trial date for internet-famous Hannah and the other four defendants was set for 4 March 2024, and is estimated to last about three weeks.
There will also be a further hearing on 9 November.
Recorder of Liverpool His Honour Judge Andrew Menary KC said: "You're free to go, your bail is as before. In relation to the new defendants arraigned today, there's an obligation to serve a defence statement due before November 24. All defendants must attend for your trial when required to do so.
"Also the hearing on November 9. If you fail to attend, you'll be in breach of your bail and the trail could still go ahead without you."
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If Chanel the African Grey is still going, we hope she’s able to live her best life during all of this.