Man spotted 'acting suspiciously' in Cookstown is refused bail on drug charges

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter was told that police later recovered between £3,000 and £4,000 from a wallet belonging to the accused which they believed to be criminal property.

Before the court was Oisin Gaynor, of Gortalowry Park, who is accused of having criminal property in his possession; obstructing police; being concerned in the supply of cocaine; having cocaine in his possession; resisting police; having cannabis in his possession, and having cannabis with intent to supply on July 16.

A police officer said that he could connect Gaynor to the charges before the court.

Outling the background to the charges, the officer said police were on mobile patrol in the Gortalowry Park area of Cookstown at approximately 2.15pm on Thursday when they saw the accused acting suspiciously.

He said they observed him handing something to the driver of a vehicle who then handed money to him.

The officer alleged that this took place close to a play area where there were children at the time.

When police went to speak to Gaynor, he ran off but was later apprehended and refused to comply with police instructions.

The officer said he had to be forcibly put into the police vehicle.

Continuing, he said a large amount of cash was located in a wallet belonging to the accused and a search of the vehicle located a bag containing a white substance believed to be cocaine one gram in weight.

Two properties were searched in Gortalowry Park and Class A and Class B drugs, weighing nine grams, scales, and a passport were found in a rucksack, along with 154 grams of herbal cannabis, the court heard.

The officer said deal bags, some containing a residue of white powder, were found in a bedroom.

Enquiries found that Gaynor was also in breach of court bail, as he was not to be in possession of controlled drugs.

Objecting to bail, the officer said there was a high risk of reoffending and a flight risk as “someone was at a loss” and he would need to pay them back.

A defence lawyer said Gaynor is a young man with a history of drug offending, having spent four months in custody in relation to another matter for which he will be sentenced in September.

He said since his release on bail in February there has been nothing until this matter, which he is denying.

The lawyer said the accused has mental health issues and had a difficult childhood, having spent time with 45 care parents.

He pointed out that he has a partner who needs him as she is pregnant.

Counsel said the accused says he does not keep his passport in a holdall and is not a flight risk.

Refusing the bail application, Deputy District Judge Prenter said he found there was a bail breach, and that there would be a risk of further offending if he was released.

Mr Prenter said he also acceded to the police suggestion that there was a risk of flight.

He remanded Gaynor in custody to appear at Dungannon Court by video link on August 14.