THE sentencing of a man who sold apricot kernels, claiming they could cure cancer, has been adjourned.

Roger Shelley, 67, of Olivia Drive, Leigh, runs the Vitamin Service Limited, in London Road, Leigh.

He admitted misleading customers earlier this month in an Essex Trading Standards prosecution.

A website Shelley helped run, www.worldwithoutcancer.org.uk, said the kernels contained B17, also known as laetrile, and claimed it was able to cure illnesses, including cancer.

That website was linked to the Vitamin Service’s own website, which sold “metabolic therapy’’, which included ingesting the powdered kernels.

Shelley admitted selling B17, misleading customers and offering treatment advice when linked to a commercial operation.

He was due to be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, but the court ran out of time.

Sentencing will now take place at the same court on December 19.

Shelley was released on unconditional bail until his sentencing.

A proceeds of crime hearing will be held in the new year.