A NIGHTCLUB owner charged with drugs and licensing offences offered to pay £30,000 into court so he could be released to look after his sick wife.

Anthony Ian Jackson, who owns the Monroes club, Great Harwood, was allowed to address Hyndburn Magistrates via a video link even though he has made no formal pleas to the charges.

The 59-year-old, of Padiham Road, Sabden, is charged with permitting or allowing his club premises to be used for the supply of ecstasy, a class A drug, and running his club without an entertainment licence.

He said he was innocent and said he believed his name would be cleared. He also asked to be released on bail to look after his wife. Sureties totalling £30,000 were offered by family and friends, as a guarantee to back-up bail, but his application was refused by magistrates.

Jackson, dressed in a dark shirt and wearing glasses, was allowed to address the court through the television link from custody. His solicitor said such a situation was unusual, due to the early stage of proceedings.

Jackson said: "The last thing I wish to do is bring further problems on myself. To refuse bail will only hurt and inconvenience my dependants further.

"My solicitor will mount a robust defence and I'm sure I will be found innocent. However, if this is not the case, I will be prepared for the consequences at that time."

The court was told Jackson's wife, Kathleeen, 80, needed her husband to assist her, due to her poor health.

Three people had offered to each pay £10,000 surety so Jackson could go home.

Jackson will appear at the court again next Friday, February 27, via video link.