A MAN has appeared in court charged with supplying a psychoactive substance at Bestival.

Melvyn Kusi-Ghent appeared before Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The defendant, of Marlborough Road, North London, is accused of possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, during the festival in 2018.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest by the court at 1pm after he failed to attend that morning’s session as ordered.

He later appeared and the warrant was withdrawn.

The defendant, 30, has not yet entered a plea to the charge against him. He was given unconditional bail to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on May 16.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that people inhale, usually via a balloon. The anaesthetic gas is still used for pain relief during dentistry and childbirth.