22-year-old Derry man sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug offences

A 22-year-old man, who a court heard has the mental age of 13, who was shot in both knees by paramilitaries six years ago, has been jailed for eighteen months at Derry Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to committing 10 drugs offences involving the drugs cocaine, MDMA diazepam, ketamine, pregabalin and gabapentin.

Dylan Borrow from St Brecan's Park in the Waterside area of the city, who until his sentencing had been granted anonymity, admitted committing the offences between September and December of 2022.

The court heard he was caught by police officers in the Top Of The Hill area when they became suspicious about his behaviour close to a car. 

Borrow tried to jump into the car but was unable to do so because of a baby safety seat which was attached to a seat in the car. He was searched and the police recovered 73 MDMA tablets. 

The police then arrested him and searched his home where they found £1,900 in cash and quantities of cocaine, diazepam and of other drugs.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC said: "The defendant sent messages out to numerous other numbers stating 'pills in' and offers to supply gold bars which the prosecution say means MDMA. On Snapchat he was offering 'bangers' which is ecstasy. The police case is although he was using drugs, he was making a profit and there is considerable evidence of buying and selling."

Judge Rafferty said it was tragic to read in Borrow's pre-sentence report that he'd been struggling with drugs addiction since the age of 15 and that he had three relevant criminal convictions for drugs offences.

"He was shot in both knees by paramilitaries at the age of 16. Let me make it clear, no-one had the right to do that and any person or others who falsely represent themselves in providing street justice are nothing more than street criminals", he said.

As well as jailing Borrow for 18 months, Judge Rafferty said the £1,900 recovered should be distributed among three local addiction services.