Jail term for man who was concerned in supply of diazepam and pregabalin
A man was given a two months jail term for being concerned in the supply of diazepam and pregabalin.
Conor Joseph Sweeney (35), of Cottage Mews, Ballymena, was also in possession of cannabis, pregabalin and diazepam.
The possession charges relate to March 16, 2024. The being concerned charge related to between the end of January in 2024 and March 13 in 2024.
The defendant had eight previous drugs convictions. A defence barrister said the defendant is originally from County Tyrone.
District Judge Nigel Broderick told Ballymena Magistrates Court that an examination of a phone showed the defendant was "clearly supplying drugs for an extensive period of time".
He said there were 14 pages of messages of the defendant "selling non-prescription drugs to others".
The judge said: "The taking of non-prescription drugs is very dangerous. These drugs are prescribed for a reason. A medical professional has to do a risk assessment to see whether these drugs would effect any underlying health conditions and it is not without precedent that somebody would take a non-prescribed drug and sadly pass away.
"I am sure he wasn't carrying out medical assessments of the recipients of these non-prescription drugs."
The judge said there had to be a clear message that those who supply drugs can expect a custodial sentence.
After receiving a two months jail term the defendant was given £500 bail for appeal.