A 30-year-old Derry man arrested after his phone rang in court when bail conditions prohibited him from owning one, sent messages from it indicating further criminality and intentions to go to a rave for ‘one last blow out’ before jail.
The man cannot be named as he has been given anonymity by the court due to a perceived threat to his life from paramilitaries.
He convicted at Derry Crown Court on Friday of the possession and supply of Class A and Class B drugs and transferring criminal property, when his mobile phone rang.
As it was part of his bail conditions not to possess or use a mobile phone, he was arrested and remanded in custody for breaching bail conditions.
He appeared in Derry Magistrates Court today via video link from Maghaberry Prison to apply for bail.
The arresting officer told the court the man’s phone had been seized and examined by police and contained evidence of drug possession and supply and offences of dishonesty.
She also said the defendant had made plans to go to a rave in Portrush for ‘one last blow out’ before going into prison.
The officer said there were further texts on the phone which had indicated he had been taking drugs and alcohol, which were further breaches of his bail.
The officer said police objected to bail as there was ‘a real risk of reoffending.’
She added that, given the information that was found on the phone, police also searched the man’s home and they had found drug paraphernalia.
Another defendant, who also appeared in court ahead of the man, was found during the search at his home and was arrested for breaching her bail.
Paddy MacDermott, defence solicitor, said it was ‘one of the most stupid things anybody has ever done,’ to go into court, knowing they were banned from owning a phone, with a phone switched on, which then rang in front of the arresting officer.
Refusing bail, District Judge Barney McElholm, referring to the man’s intention of going to the rave, said: “I’m afraid Cinders will not be going to the ball.”
The man will appear back before the court next month.
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