Derry court told of defendant's death due to 'substances'
Judge McElholm said that people had to learn the dangers of drugs available on the streets
District Judge Barney McElholm has said that the message had to go out about the dangers of drugs being bought on the streets.
His comments came after he was told that a man due to appear at Derry Magistrate's Court today had passed away due to 'substances'.
Perry Darryl Daniel Anthony Cassidy (21) whose address was given as Culmore Park in Omagh was charged with possessing Class C drugs on December 29 last.
He also faced two charges of going equipped for theft by having a hammer and a screwdriver in Northland Terrace on the same date.
When the case was mentioned defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client was deceased due to the issue with substances.
A police officer confirmed this and added that the defendant's brother had died in a burning car some years ago.
Judge McElholm said that people had to learn the dangers of drugs available on the streets.