Alleged Derry 'principal' crime gang member refused bail to be with sick mother

A Derry man alleged to be a “principal” member of an organised crime gang has been refused bail to be with his sick mother.

Declan Gallagher (32), with an address in the Greater Manchester area in England, appeared via video link at Derry Magistrates Court this morning.

Gallagher (pictured) faces a total of 17 charges linked to the discovery of £2.2 million worth of cocaine and cannabis in Northern Ireland between September 2013 and October last year.

He had been refused bail last month.

On that occasion, a PSNI officer described Gallagher as the “principal” member of the crime gang with contacts throughout Europe and that police regarded him as a “flight risk.”

During a fresh application for bail this morning, defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott told Derry Magistrates Court there had been a number of changes since Gallagher’s previous application for bail, including his mother being diagnosed with cancer.

Adding a co-accused had granted bail, Mr MacDermott said a £5,000 cash surety had been offered by a “reputable business man.”

Police again objected, re-stating they believed Gallagher to be a “principal” member of an organised crime gang arrested in relation to £2.2 million drug interceptions.

Refusing bail, Judge Peter King said the £5,000 surety offered was a “small drop in the ocean compared to the amount of drugs we are talking about."

Gallagher is due appear in court again on 18 June via video link.