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Man caught red-handed smoking heroin by police who were called to eject him from house

After being cautioned he stated: 'Oh as long as I can get back here'

Newry Courthouse

A man was caught by police red-handed smoking heroin using a tin foil sheet after they were called to eject him from a party in Newtownhamilton, a court has heard.

After being cautioned by police the 51-year-old stated: “Oh as long as I can get back here.”

Sean Gerard Darragh, of no fixed abode, Newry, pleaded guilty to possession of Class A at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he appeared via videolink from Maghaberry.

Prosecution outlined that on January 13, police received a call from a person who wanted a male removed from their property in the Dungormley Estate, Newtownhamilton.

When officers arrived, they were let in by the homeowner and located the defendant smoking heroin using a tin foil sheet.

After caution, Darragh told police that the substance was heroin and for personal use.

The defendant handed over a bag of heroin and was cautioned and stated: “Oh as long as I can get back here.”

District Judge Eamonn King commented: “I hope he does not live there, if they wanted him out.”

Defence solicitor Gerard Trainor stated: “No, he lives in Newry, he was not wanted there and had to be taken to hospital.

“He had been drug free for two years but he seems to have got hold of the small amount and taken it.”

Darragh was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15.

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