Drug accused sees trial abandoned

A MAN accused of running a network of drug couriers to supply cocaine across the Lothians could face a retrial after the case against him was temporarily deserted.

James Purves was on trial at the High Court in Edinburgh accused of drug dealing, but the prosecution was suspended yesterday after its fifth day.

The trial had heard that Purves was tracked by undercover police officers who allegedly caught him carrying out drug deals.

Prosecutors alleged that Purves, of Bethlehem Way, Lochend, supplied cocaine between October 19 2007 and December 5 2007.

A Crown Office spokeswoman said: "The trial against James Purves at the High Court at Edinburgh was deserted pro loco et tempore.

"Proceedings remain live against James Purves. No further dates have been set as yet."