'˜Street dealer' used his taxi to deliver drugs

A taxi driver who was caught with over £3,000 worth of Cocaine in his car has received a suspended sentence.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2016, 08:28 BST
Updated 29th Apr 2016, 10:34 BST
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.

Canice Joseph Cunningham, of Agahmore Park, Strathfoyle, pleaded guilty to possessing Cocaine with intent to supply and possessing Tramadol with intent to supply on December 19, 2014.

Derry Crown Court heard that Cunningham’s taxi was stopped at a picnic area on the Foreglen Road when it was searched by police.

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Officers seized multiple bags containing a white powder. In total over 63 grams of Cocaine were seized, with a street value of £3,161.

Police also found a paper bag in the car containing 116 capsules of Tramadol.

Cunningham’s home address was also searched and police found £2,600 and 480 euro.

During police interview, the 42-year-old stated that he bought the Cocaine and bagged it to monitor how much he was taking.

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He admitted that he would give some Cocaine to friends if they needed it.

The court was told police viewed the defendant as a ‘street dealer’ who used his taxi to deliver drugs.

Defence counsel Nicki Rountree told the court her client was a hard working individual and someone who was of ‘particularly good character.’

She said Cunningham began to use Cocaine recreationally and developed a dependency on it.

Judge Philip Babington suspended a nine month sentence for three years. He also ordered some of the money seized to be donated to charity.