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01 Apr 2026

Self-confessed cocaine and cannabis dealer told by judge to expect jail sentence

Ben Sweeney (23) whose address was given as no fixed abode and care of Magilligan Prison, pleaded guilty to a series of drugs offences at Derry Crown Court

Man returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on 28 charges

Derry Crown Court

Reporter:

Court Reporter

20 Mar 2025 3:30 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

A self-confessed cocaine and cannabis dealer has been told by a judge at Derry Crown Court to expect a jail sentence when he's sentenced for a series of drugs offences on May 1.
At his arraignment before Judge Neil Rafferty KC, Ben Sweeney (23) whose address was given as no fixed abode and care of Magilligan Prison, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply the drug and guilty to offering to supply cocaine in March of last year.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to offering to supply cocaine and cannabis in June 2023 and guilty to offering to supply cannabis in February of last year.
Two other drugs related offences were left on the books not to be proceeded with without the permission of the court.
Judge Rafferty ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report and told Sweeney that he'd sentence him on May 1.
"The overwhelming likelihood is because you have offered to supply a Class A drug you will receive a custodial sentence in May", he told Sweeney.
The defendant was remanded in continuing custody until he's sentenced.

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