A south Armagh man has been released on bail after appearing in court charged with a litany of drugs charges.
Outlining that the 43-year-old’s release was not objected to, the prosecuting barrister stated: “The vast majority of the defendants in these type of cases are on bail. This defendant had a relatively minor record, most of which is dated.”
John McGivern, of Kingsmill Road in Whitecross, appeared facing a total of six charges at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry.
He is charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A, being concerned in the supply of Class B, conspiring to fraudulently import Class A, conspiring to fraudulently import Class B, possession of criminal property and transferring criminal property.
The defendant confirmed he understood the charges and was connected to the same by a constable, with defence barrister Kevin O’Hare making no question to the connection
Prosecuting barrister Robin Steer stated that there was no objections to McGivern being released on bail, subject to conditions.
He commented: “The vast majority of the defendants in these type of cases are on bail. This defendant had a relatively minor record, most of which is dated.”
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer released the defendant on his own bail of £5,000 and adjourned the case until May 25.
Conditions of McGivern’s bail included; a surety of £5,000, to reside at an address approved by police, not to leave Northern Ireland, to surrender his passport, electronic tagging, a 10pm-8am curfew, to sign at a police station three times a week and not to have access to a device with access to the internet.
