Londonderry man in court on drug related charges

Before the Court was David Blakely (36), of Barrack Street, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possession of the class B drug as well as being concerned in an offer to supply cannabis on July 24, last year.

The Court heard Blakely’s home was searched by police, who found four small bags of cannabis and £100 in cash in a bedroom.

In a search of the ground floor, officers discovered a note with what appeared to be a suspected deal list, a sim card hidden inside a teapot, deal bags and a set of digital scales.

A total of 25 grams of cannabis was seized with a value of between £250 and £500.

During police interview, Blakely said he had smoked cannabis for the last 20 years and admitted that he had supplied drugs to a small circle of friends for a long time.

The court was told this was the “wake up call” Blakely needed and he had now stopped smoking cannabis and had received counselling from HURT.

Imposing the Community Service Order, Judge Babington said the “supply of drugs is in my view a serious matter and is ordinarily met with a sentence of immediate imprisonment”.

However, he said the appropriate way of dealing with this case was to impose a Community Service Order to allow Blakely to give back to the community.

Judge Babington also ordered the destruction of the drug and for the £100 in cash seized to be donated to Foyle Search and Rescue.