Bail refused for Derry man accused of drug supply and kicking police officers

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court for a bail application on charges including assaulting police and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

James McCallion (30) of Glenowen Park in Derry was initially brought to police attention on July 10 2024 when a member of the public stopped them while out on patrol.

Finding him in the passenger seat of a white van, police searched and found 0.77g of class A and three plastic wraps. 

They also found more than £58,000 in cash and a taser before McCallion fled on foot.

On February 27, McCallion was arrested after police spotted a white van driving erratically.

McCallion once again was said to have attempted to run but was stopped by police.

Allegedly resisting arrest, McCallion began kicking officers before being taken down.

When interviewed, he denied any knowledge of the drugs found in July but admitted that he had handled the taser. He also said that he did not mean to assault the arresting officer.

Eglinton facility to inject renewable gas into the Northern Ireland grid

Kinecx Energy signs first biomethane connection agreement with Greenan Generation Ltd

Police seized his phone and found an account containing more than £6100 and a number of messages that appeared to show his involvement in the supply of drugs.

Police objected to bail as they find his proposed address is not suitable and believe he is at risk of reoffending due to a history of breaches of bail.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that McCallion had initially applied for bail in February but withdrew his application the morning of his hearing and, as a result, has been in custody since then.

He added that, after the initial search of the van in July, hisclient was not 'on the run' but he had tried to stay beneath police radar and keep his head down.

Bail was refused and he will appear again on November 6.