Five months jail for supplying Diazepam

Frank Martin McShane, of Dunfield Terrace, was found in possession of 470 Diazepam tablets on August 17, 2014.

He pleaded guilty to possessing the Class C drug with intent to supply; being concerned in the supply of Diazepam and simple possession of the drug.

Derry Crown Court heard that police attention was drawn to a Vauxhall vehicle as it travelled through the city centre.

Officers followed this car to an address in Chamberlain Street.

When McShane saw police he dropped an item and kicked it underneath the car.

Seven strips of diazepam tablets were discovered by the officers and each strip contained 14 capsules.

The defendant was then searched and a further strip of tablets was found on him.

McShane’s car and home were subjected to a search and drugs were also found. A total of 256 Diazepam tablets were discovered in the car and 100 at his home address.

Officers also seized scales and deal bags.

During police interview, McShane claimed the drugs were for his personal use and that he would consume between 40 and 60 tablets each day.

He later admitted he had pooled his money with two others to buy the drugs over the internet. He claimed he was going to drop off the drugs to one of these other men when he was stopped by police.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty told the court his client suffered a ‘vicious attack by men with hammers’ in 2012.

He said McShane suffered very serious injuries in the assault and sought refuge in drugs and alcohol.

Mr. Doherty said the effects of the beating remained with the 40-year-old and he began using Diazepam.

He added that doctors became so concerned about McShane’s reliance on the drug they refused to prescribed it for him.

The barrister told the court this is when his client decided to buy the Class C drug on the internet with two others.

He said the McShane had been drug free for the last nine months and is making ‘positive changes to his life.’

Jailing the defendant, Judge Gemma Loughran said ‘anyone involved in the supply of drugs must be punished severely to deter others from involvement in the drugs trade.’