Man (25) with drugs concealed in his underwear refused bail at Derry Court

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man in custody on a series of drug charges owed debts running into thousands of pounds.

Dylan Beattie (25) of Ard Grange was making a bail application at today's sitting of the court.

A police officer objected to bail and outlined to the court how on July 9 police stopped Beattie in the Trench Road area where he was meeting an individual. 

Just before being stopped police thought they observed the defendant moving something on his person. 

A subsequent strip search uncovered 4 deal bags of suspected cocaine concealed in Beattie's underwear.

The defendant initially refused to give the PIN number for his phone and later his solicitor supplied a number but it was wrong. 

Police managed to access the phone and an officer said there was 'very relevant evidence' on it.

Bail was opposed as Beattie had offended while on bail previously and in March 2023 had had his licence revoked but it had been months before police could locate him. 

The officer said that if released Beattie will re-offend and will not abide by conditions.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that her client accepted he had a relevant record but had made some admissions. 

She said that the fact he had appeared in court 'rendered him useless' to those behind the supply of drugs in the city.

Bail was refused due to the risk of re-offending and Beattie will appear again on August 15.