Custodial sentence 'almost inevitable' for County Derry man who admitted drug charges

A man from Ballykelly who admitted a series of drug charges has been told that a custodial sentence is 'almost inevitable'.

Jason Gavin McNeilly (24) of Tamlough Park in Ballykelly appeared at Derry Crown Court today.

He admitted 8 charges including being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis on May 10 last year. 

He also admitted possessing the drugs on the same date. 

McNeilly also pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis on dates between April 23 and May 11 2022.

He also admitted a charge of being concerned in the supply of Pregablin on dates April 23 and May 11.

The court heard that a pre-sentence report was requested and the defendant was released on bail to appear again on November 13.

Judge Neil Rafferty told the defendant that the fact he was being released on bail was no indication of the outcome. 

He said that McNeilly had pleaded guilty to 'serious drug offences' and a custodial sentence was a possibility.