Man who is allegedly 'heavily involved in the supply of cocaine in the city' granted bail

A Derry judge has once again said that until he is informed that the threat against suspected drug dealers has been lifted he will continue to grant anonymity orders.

District Judge Barney McElholm's comments came in the case of a man charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply on December 2, possessing the drugs and being concerned in the supply of cocaine on dates between June 1 2023 and December 2 2024 as well as a charge of possessing cannabis. 

The man was granted anonymity and the judge pointed out that if convicted anonymity would be lifted.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He told the court the defendant was stopped in a vehicle accompanied by his 16-year-old son as police believed he was 'heavily involved in the supply of cocaine in the city.'

The officer said that police had tragedy several other phones and the information suggested the defendant was involved in the drugs trade over a period of time.

The man's phone was seized and his home address was searched with a quantity of cocaine allegedly found there as well as £1,000 in cash.

At interviews the defendant admitted being addicted to cocaine and admitted dealing in the drug.

He said tens of thousands of pounds would go through his bank account due to his dealing.

He said he sold drugs to feed his own habit which he said cost him £200 a day.

Police objected to bail due to the risk of reoffending as the accused would spend £6,000 a month on drugs.

He told police he had dealt in cannabis but stopped as cocaine was more profitable. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had no previous convictions. 

He said he had co-operated with police and did not have 'a lavish lifestyle'.

Applying for bail the solicitor said that the defendant was 'now on the police radar'.

Judge McElholm said there was a huge risk of reoffending as the defendant was a drug addict.

But he said he had co-operated with police so he would give him a chance.

He released him on bail on condition he observes a curfew and wear a tag as well as not to have any internet enabled devices.

The man will appear again on December 30.