Judge grants man anonymity over 'threat' to his safety

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today that there was 'a threat to the safety' of a man on drug charges during an application for anonymity. 

The man was granted anonymity due to the general threat existing in the city. 

He appeared charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis on dates between January 12020 and June 27 2023.

He was also charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine on June 27 this year. 

He was further charged with possessing criminal property namely cash, obstruction and driving with no licence again on June 27.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He told the court that on June 27 police observed the defendant driving a car and believed he was involved in the supply of drugs in the city. 

Police attempted to stop the car but were unsuccessful. 

Later in the evening police observed the same car and managed to stop it and as they approached the defendant could be seen trying to conceal something on his person. 

The driver was described as being 'extremely nervous and anxious' during his encounter with police. 

A search uncovered £2,000 in cash in the defendant's possession. 

After being arrested the man was said to have tried to eat a deal bag with a Sim card and a piece of paper. The Sim card was recovered but damaged. 

The defendant's home was searched and cannabis and cocaine were said to have been found as well as other drug related paraphernalia. 

The court heard that the man made a series of admissions while in custody. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the court was told the defendant had breached bail he was currently on. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that these were obviously serious charges and there was 'strong evidence' against his client. 

The solicitor said that it could be some time before the case came to court to be dealt with. 

As regards the breach of bail Mr MacDermott said that his client believed he could return to a certain part of the city because the person he was not allowed to contact had moved. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that it was possible if the man had applied properly he may have been allowed to enter that part of the city. 

He said that the defendant 'refuses to accept court orders' and had re-offended while on bail. 

He remanded the defendant in custody to appear again on July 27.