Activities of a man give an insight into the 'squalid and sordid' life of a drug user - Judge says
Peter Mongan (27) was jailed for a number of drugs offences
A judge at Derry Crown Court said the activities of a man gave an insight into the 'squalid and sordid' life of a drug user.
The comments came during the sentencing of Peter Mongan (27) of Clon Elagh, Derry who admitted offering to supply Pregablin and Diazepam on August 7 last year and possessing cannabis with intent to supply on August 9 and possessing Pregablin and Diazepam on the same date.
The court heard that on August 9 2022 the defendant was observed being unsteady on his feet.
He was stopped and cannabis and Pregablin were found on him as well as one Diazepam tablet.
A search of his home was carried out and more cannabis and Pregablin was found.
The defendant was said to have been co-operative with police and supplied them with the PIN code for his phone.
On the phone there were messages to 'like minded individuals' offering to supply drugs there were also messages to Mongan offering drugs.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that when Mongan had appeared in front of him a month ago he was 'very ill and shambolic' but seemed to be much better now.
The judge said that Mongan's brother had died and this had a profound affect on him.
He added: "Sadly and tragically he seems to think that the only way he can cope is self medicating."
The judge told Mongan that this was not the case.
He said he had sentenced Mongan in June for similar offences and so in this case he sentenced him to 14 months with two months in custody and 12 months supervision.