Derry tops drugs anonymity order requests

Derry holds the record for the highest number of media-gagging ‘anonymity orders’ requested for defendants in drug-related court cases, Derry News can reveal.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 329 anonymity or reporting restrictions orders granted in courts across the North. Of those, 292 were in Derry and five were in Strabane. In comparison, 17 anonymity orders were granted in Laganside Courts in Belfast, while there were fewer than five each granted in Newtownards, Antrim, Coleraine, Limavady, Ballymena and Dungannon.

The orders related to criminal defendants with at least one drug offence - possession of drugs and/or possession with intent to supply - but excluded appeals.

The figures, compiled by the Information Commissioner’s Office, were provided in answer to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the political party Aontú.

Speaking to Derry News, Derry Aontú representative Seán MacCearáin said there was no reason why those accused of certain drug offences should be granted anonymity.

Mr MacCearáin said: “Whilst the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ should remain sacrosanct, so too should the principle of ‘open justice’. We see no reason why those accused of certain drug offences are being granted anonymity in the city.

"The ravage of drugs is here for all to see. When we look at the figures regionally, the figures for Derry and Strabane (297) are off the chart whilst Belfast, where we are constantly hearing about drug arrests and gangs operating, had fewer than 20 anonymity orders granted. The disparity raises serious questions.

“People deserve to see justice being done. Those in court, when convicted of minor offences, are named publicly. It should be no different for those convicted of pushing drugs in our communities.”

He added: “The community should know who is feeding the drug market, just as much as they should know the names of those convicted of other serious crimes - in order to protect themselves and their families.”