Crown Court : Pair heavily involved in drugs scene

In the dock were Aaron Patrick McCusker, of St Eithne’s Park, who was jailed for a year, while his co-accused Bernard Shiels, of Miller Street, was jailed for 14 months.

The defendants pleaded guilty to a total of 10 drugs charges between them. They include offering to supply mephedrone, being concerned in the supply of the class B drug and possessing mephedrone with intent to supply. The offences were committed between August and September 2012.

The court heard that police searched the home and car of Shiels, during which officers found three bags of white powder in the passenger footwell of the vehicle.

It was claimed that the drugs were so-called legal highs which he intended to sell for a profit.

The court heard Shiels phone was examined and this led police to McCusker.

They searched the 23-year-old’s flat and found four bags of white powder and 31 deal bags filled with powder.

He admitted the drugs were mephedrone and that he intended to sell them.

Imposing sentence on the men, Judge Phillip Babington said it is clear both men were “heavily involved in drug supply”.

“Drug misuse is a plague on this city. They ruin so many lives. People like these defendants perpetuate this, spreading misery to others while they are making a profit,” Judge Babington said.

He said it was the duty of courts to deter this type of activity to protect the young people of the city.

Both defendants will serve half their sentence in custody and half on licence.