Judge: '˜Cinders won't be going to the ball'

The comment was made by Londonderry District Judge Barney McElholm in the case of a 30-year-old man, who cannot be named because of a Court Order.

The man is charged with a number of drugs offences allegedly committed between January 2014 and February 2015, including possessing Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply, supplying cannabis and transferring criminal property.

The defendant was arrested for breach of bail on Friday after his mobile phone, which he was banned from possessing, rang while he was in court. He had just been granted a bail variation to go to Belfast with his girlfriend over Easter.

Over the weekend this phone was examined and it is alleged messages relating to a drug supply were found.

The court also heard that the defendant was planning ‘one last blow out’ at a night club over the Easter weekend, rather than going away with his girlfriend.

Opposing bail, the investigating officer said the defendant continued to consume drugs and alcohol in breach of bail conditions. She added that police feared he would continue to offend.

District Judge Barney McElholm refused bail, saying: “Cinders won’t be going to the ball”.

He said the defendant had abused the court’s kind gesture in trying to facilitate his holiday.

The man will appear in court again next month.