Anonymity order removed for Derry man who admitted drug offences

A judge at Derry Crown Court has said that 'public justice should be done publicly' as he removed an anonymity order from a man who admitted a series of drug offences.

Sean Doherty (23) of Clon Dara in Derry admitted 13 charges relating to offering to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, Pregablin, Diazepam and cannabis on various dates between December 1 2022 and June 24 2023.

A defence barrister said that his client had been in custody for 13 months.

Doherty had been granted anonymity when he first appeared at the Magistrate's Court charged with these offences.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that in cases where there was a specific threat against an individual he would have a certain view on anonymity but where it was just 'a generic threat' anonymity would be lifted after a guilty plea in the interests of public justice.

He added: "There is a historic issue in the city with those who would put themselves forward as serving the community.'

He removed the anonymity order and requested a pre-sentence report for Doherty who will be sentenced on September 24.