A Newry man who is accused of being concerned in supply of Class A and B drugs has been granted a variation on his curfew in order to attend the tanning salon he owns along with his partner.
The 38-year-old did not appear as the bail variation was applied for on his behalf to extend his curfew from 7pm to 11pm at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Aymen Shebani, of Carney Hall, faces five drugs charges, namely conspiracy to import Class B, being concerned in the supply of Class A, being concerned in the supply of Class B, conspiracy to possess Class A with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess Class B with intent to supply.
He is further charged with conspiring with another to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and with entering an arrangement to acquire criminal property. All are alleged to have been committed between March 26 and June 15, last year.
None of the facts behind the case were heard as defence barrister Aaron Thompson made it known that a bail variation application was being made.
He outlined that Shebani sought to have his curfew extended to 11pm in order for him to work in the tanning salon that he owns, which reopened in line with restrictions last Friday.
Objecting to this variation, a constable stated that he did not believe the defendant was involved in the “day to day” running of the salon in question.
He claimed to have visited the premises on a number of occasions, the most recent being that morning, and Shebani had not been present.
Mr Thompson challenged this assertion. He said the establishment had been closed for four or five months and that his client had advised not to be there on the morning of his court appearance.
He claimed that the business was owned by the defendant and his partner, with them having no other employees at present.
The barrister stated that the salon remained open until 10pm with time also required to disinfect the premises, which was the reason the variation was sought.
The constable contended that another staff member could close up the shop, however, Mr Thompson maintained that there were no employees.
Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall granted a variation of curfew to 10.15pm, with the caveat that this was only for the purpose of attending the business.
She added that since his curfew ended at 7am, he would have plenty of time to disinfect the premises prior to opening at 10am.
Shebani’s case was adjourned until May 12 for an update.
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