‘Very, very clear warning’ after bail breach

A woman accused of a series of drugs offences breached bail by possessing a mobile phone.

Danielle McCollum, of no fixed abode, is charged with a total of nine drugs offences, including the supply of cocaine.

The offences were allegedly committed between March 9, 2019 and April 28, this year.

The 26-year-old had been released on conditional police bail following her arrest.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard she had breached a curfew condition and was found in possession of a mobile phone, which she was prohibited from having.

An investigating officer said that the defendant’s bail address has also been removed by her landlord.

Opposing bail, the officer said police have concerns that McCollum will continue to breach bail or commit new offences.

She said that police had called to the defendant’s home on two separate occasions to conduct a bail check and McCollum failed to present herself.

The officer added that the mobile phone seized from the defendant is being examined in relation to possible new offences.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said his client accepts the breach of bail. However, he said McCollum is someone with ‘very little previous contact with the legal system’.

He said that she was ‘shocked’ to discover she had breached the conditions.

The 26-year-old was granted bail on the same terms and conditions to reside at an address in Carnlough. 

District Judge Ted Magill gave a ‘very, very clear warning’ to the defendant that if she breached bail again she would be going to prison.

McCollum will appear in court again next month.