Community service order for drug charge

A 240-hour community service order was imposed at Londonderry Crown Court on a Cityside man charged with drug offences.
Bishop street CourthouseBishop street Courthouse
Bishop street Courthouse

Robert McAuley (28), of Lower Nassau Street, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply the drug on January 13, 2012.

The prosecution told the Crown Court that the police searched the defendant’s home in Ballymagroarty under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Judge Philip Babington was told that McAuley was present in the house and initially gave the police a false name, but later admitted his true identity and showed the police to a room in the attic of the house. There they uncovered 59 small bags containing cannabis, as well as other drugs paraphernalia that included deal bags, scales and £865 in cash, which McAuley claimed was his holiday money.

Defence counsel Ivor McAteer told the court his client was dealing to fund his own habit, adding that shots had been fired at the defendant’s home, which had caused him a lot of trauma and stress.

The barrister revealed McAuley developed alopecia as a result and resigned from his job.

Imposing the community service order, Judge Philip Babington said drug dealers in this city normally went straight to prison.

The Judge told the court he was very disturbed by the delay in this case, adding that on balance I felt that McAulty should give something back to the community.

Ordered the destruction of the drugs, he also ordered that the £865 to be donated to Foyle Search and Rescue.