Man sold drugs to fund his habit

Christopher Gallagher, of Foyle Road, pleaded guilty to nine charges of being concerned in the supply of cannabis between March and December, last year.

He also admitted possessing the class B drug with intent to supply.

Derry Crown Court heard police carried out a search of Gallagher’s home and he admitted having drugs in a bag.

During the search, police discovered 14,5 grams of cannabis and a grinder.

They also seized the 29-year-old’s phone which was examined and found to have 20,000 messages relating to drug supply.

Gallagher told police he smoked eight cannabis joints every day and would supply it to or source it for people.

It was revealed the 29-year-old has five previous drug convictions.

The court was told it is accepted Gallagher supplied street users and would be in the ‘upper echelons’ of the drug supply network.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said his client was aware of the seriousness of the charges.

He said Gallagher started taking drugs as a teenager, was addicted to them and sold drugs to fund his own habit.

The barrister added that his client’s father wanted to convey his thanks to the police for putting an end to his son’s drug use.

Judge Phillip Babington adjourned sentencing until November 14 and Gallagher was released on bail.