Man accused of drug offences remanded in custody at Derry court

Aaron Donnelly (32) of Manorwood in Derry appeared charged with possession of class A, B and C drugs on October 27 and also possession of criminal property.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail during the hearing at the Magistrate’s Court in the city on Wednesday.

The court heard that Donnelly was stopped due to a suspected breach of bail when he was observed in an area he was prohibited from entering.

A police officer said that it was obvious that Donnelly was not attending a medical appointment and that this was the only reason he was allowed in that particular area.

District Judge Suzanne Rice said she would rule on the breach at a later date.

The court then heard that on October 27 a car driven by the defendant was stopped due to the alleged breach of bail.

The vehicle was searched and a quantity of class A drugs was allegedly found alongside deal bags and a mobile phone and a sum of cash.

Police said they suspected that Donnelly was residing at a different address than his bail address, and the court heard allegations that an address was searched more drugs and money was found.

At interview Donnelly denied any intent to supply, and said the drug amounts were not large. He admitted he had a drug addiction.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the fact that Donnelly had not given police access to his phone, which the court was told is believed to be encrypted and will 'wipe itself' after a period of time.

Defence solicitor Keith Kyle said his client had co-operated with police and had maintained that he was not aware the deal bags were in the car.

Judge Rice said these were serious offences and Donnelly was currently on Crown Court bail.

She said that the defendant was 'no stranger to the criminal justice system'.

Bail was refused and Donnelly was remanded in custody to appear again on November 11.