An alleged drug dealer was unfit to stand trial – because he has Australian flu.

Armour Donnell, 50, was due to go on trial at Paisley Sheriff Court last week, charged with being in possession of cannabis which he intended to deal to others.

Prosecutors claim he had a stash of the class B drug he planned to deal at his home in Fairway Avenue, Paisley, on June 14 and 15 last year.

Donnell denies breaking the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 by having cannabis in his possession “with intent to supply it.”

But he did not go on trial over the alleged offence because the Aussie flu, which has claimed over 300 lives in Australia, left him too ill to attend court.

Defence solicitor Amy Spencer told Sheriff Colin Pettigrew: “He contacted my office to advise me he is not fit to come to court.

“He says he had a verbal consultation with his GP, who advised it sounds like he is suffering from Aussie flu, which is what his daughter is suffering from, and she is currently hospitalised.”

After hearing that prosecutors had been informed of Donnell’s inability to attend and witnesses had been told not to turn up, Sheriff Pettigrew adjourned the case until March.