A Craigavon man involved in the sale and supply of cocaine and ketamine has avoided jail.
At a hearing before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, Dylan Michael Ruddy, of Regency Court, was handed a five month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The 23-year-old was charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply; possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply; offering to supply Class A drugs; and offering to supply Class B drugs.
The prosecution outlined that on Thursday, October 12, 2023, police stopped a vehicle in the Lurgan area, being driven by Ruddy.
Ruddy had scales and deal bags on his person, and was searched due to his “demeanour”.
He was taken to Lurgan Police Station, where two bags of white powder were located in his underwear.
Forensic examination was carried out, which found one bag to contain cocaine and the other ketamine.
Ruddy’s phone was also examined which showed evidence he was involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Ruddy’s defence lawyer spoke on his client’s background in offering a plea of mitigation, noting, “he got involved in alcohol at a very young age and that moved up to drugs and he seems to have taken virtually every drug that exists at school”.
He added that Ruddy, who has no previous convictions, then moved into a period of homelessness, deciding to make some money by selling drugs.
He also explained that since Ruddy was caught in October 2023 he has not taken drugs, and has since moved back home and obtained full-time employment.
Ruddy’s work ethic was also raised, and the court heard he has worked in a number of jobs in the past.
Nothing that it was clearly for “financial gain”, District Judge Ranaghan said that based on the phone evidence, there was “clearly evidence of ongoing involvement in drugs and the trading of drugs”.
Judge Ranaghan imposed a sentence of five months in custody, but owing to Ruddy’s clear record and recent stability in his life, he suspended the sentence for a period of 12 months.
