New charge for man stopped in Bridgend drugs case
A new charge will come before the court for the Derry man that was stopped at Bridgend in April.
Dean Beattie (33) of Glenvale Road, Derry, has already been in custody for three months since his arrest on April 18, following an incident at Mannerstown Crossroads, Bunnamayne, Bridgend, when he turned away from a Garda checkpoint.
He faces charges including cannabis possession, dangerous driving, drug-driving, and no insurance or licence.
Beattie, it is alleged was found to have €609 worth of cocaine in his possession, in addition to €100 of cannabis.
Beattie appeared before Letterkenny District Court on Monday last by video link, when Sergeant Jim Collins said that the further charge was to be brought before the court.
Defending solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher said that the hearing for the new charge would require an in-person appearance in court on August 6, and everything relating the case since Beattie is in custody has been very significantly delayed due to delays in receiving directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Sergeant Collins said that there is now direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions for summary disposal of the current matters but that the new charge would have to be brought before the court to proceed with the case.
At the last court sitting Mr Gallagher said it was a classic case of the State dragging its feet, pointing to his client’s time in custody.
The case was adjourned until early August when the new matter is to be heard.