A 23-year-old man from Derry has been given a three-year enhanced combination order and 100 hours of community service after admitting to supplying class A and B drugs over a three-year period.

Blaine Kelly, of Summer Meadow Mews, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs, and possession with intent to supply, between August 2021 and September 2024.

Police first searched Kelly's home on 20 July 2022 under the Misuse of Drugs Act, where they found a bag containing 23 milligrams of class A drugs, along with weighing scales and deal bags. A mobile phone seized during the search contained multiple messages and videos relating to drug supply, including a price list.

The phone revealed Kelly managed a WhatsApp group called 'Doire Exotic Strain' and used it to communicate with customers. At a hearing, Judge Roseanne McCormick KC said the phone showed a menu of drugs on offer, the defendant's address and car make, and that he played a prominent role in the group.

In October 2023, police returned to the address and saw Kelly throw a cigarette packet from an upstairs window into a neighbour's garden. Officers retrieved the packet and found it contained class A drugs. Kelly was arrested and admitted to police that he was a gambling and drug addict, and that he dealt drugs to fund a £240 per week habit.

A pre-sentence report detailed Kelly's introduction to cannabis as a teenager through negative peer influence, which progressed to a serious addiction. Judge McCormick noted that Kelly now recognises his offending was selfish and harmed both users and the wider community.

The judge imposed the enhanced combination order and community service, warning Kelly that any breach would result in immediate imprisonment.