Man described as being involved in 'prolonged persistent street level dealing' jailed
Dale McMonagle (30) of no fixed abode faced a range of charges that Judge Neil Rafferty KC said involved drugs 'across the chemist shop of A, B and C drugs'
A man who was described as being involved in 'prolonged persistent street level dealing' has been jailed at Derry Crown Court.
Dale McMonagle (30) of no fixed abode faced a range of charges that Judge Neil Rafferty KC said involved drugs 'across the chemist shop of A, B and C drugs.'
The court heard that in February 2021 police intercepted a parcel addressed to McMonagle's address containing 168 Pregablin tablets.
McMonagle admitted paying £150 for the drugs.
A subsequent search of the defendant's address uncovered more drugs and drug paraphernalia.
On May 18, 2021 police observed the defendant acting suspiciously along with another person just after leaving McMonagle's flat.
Drugs were found on the other person and McMonagle had supplied them.
The court then was told that on November 18, 2021 a female was stopped close to the defendant's address.
McMonagle approached police and had a cannabis joint behind his ear.
A search of the address uncovered more drugs.
The court heard that McMonagle had begun using cannabis aged 14 and then 'graduated' to other drugs.
Judge Rafferty said that McMonagle had 42 previous convictions and had been assessed as being of a high likelihood of re-offending.
The judge said that the level of drug use in the Derry area was 'a concern' to him.
He said that he had been briefed by the PSNI on the scale of the problem here especially in relation to class C drugs.
There was a belief the judge said that class C drugs were 'safe' but they were only safe if supervised by a doctor.
The judge said class C drugs were involved in a number of deaths in the area.
He added that anyone involved in dealing drugs would receive a 'significant custodial sentence'.
He sentenced McMonagle to three years in prison with half in custody and half on licence.