Dunmurry man pleads not guilty to taking drugs into Maghaberry Prison
A Dunmurry man, who has pleaded not guilty to drugs charges, has appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court for a preliminary enquiry.
Patrick Christopher Ward, 30, whose address was given as Hazel Drive in Dunmurry, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with possession of a Class C drug, namely diazepam, and conveying a controlled drug into Maghaberry Prison.
Having previously pleaded not guilty to the charges before the court, the defendant made no response when the charges were put to him during the preliminary enquiry.
The facts of the case were not opened in court but it is understood the charges date back to February 22, 2024.
The public prosecutor stated that she believed there was a prima facie case to answer and a defence lawyer made no contrary submission.
District Judge Rosie Watters returned the defendant to Craigavon Crown Court for arraignment on March 3.
Ms Watters released the defendant on his own bail of £500 pending the Crown Court appearance.