Man with 142 convictions remanded on drug charges at Derry Court
Patrick Gérard McGothigan (38) of no fixed abode appeared charged with possessing class A drugs on April 29
A man with 142 previous convictions has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with possessing class A drugs.
Patrick Gérard McGothigan (38) of no fixed abode appeared charged with possessing class A drugs on April 29.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
The court was told the suspected class A drugs were found when the defendant was arrested for breaching his bail.
Bail was opposed as a police officer said McGothigan was a 'prolific offender' and had only been released from prison in January.
The officer said they did not believe the defendant would abide by conditions.
Defence solicitor Conor McGurk said his client was disputing that the powder was class A.
He said the defendant had actually telephoned the police to tell them where he was.
Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter said he was not satisfied that defendant would abide by bail conditions and added there was a genuine risk of re-offending.
McGothigan was remanded in custody to appear again on May 28.