A man from Cookstown, County Tyrone, has been remanded in custody after a deputy district judge ruled he posed a risk of reoffending and flight.

Oisin Gaynor, of Gortalowry Park, faces seven charges including being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possessing criminal property. The alleged offences occurred on 16 July.

Police observed Mr Gaynor acting suspiciously near a play area in Gortalowry Park at around 2.15pm, a court was told. Officers alleged they saw him exchange an item for money with a vehicle driver. When approached, he ran but was quickly detained and had to be forced into a police vehicle.

A subsequent search recovered between £3,000 and £4,000 in cash from his wallet, which police believe to be the proceeds of crime. One gram of suspected cocaine was found in a car linked to the incident. Searches of two properties in Gortalowry Park uncovered a rucksack containing nine grammes of Class A and B drugs, scales and a passport. Officers also seized 154 grammes of herbal cannabis and deal bags with white powder residue from a bedroom.

The court heard Mr Gaynor was in breach of existing bail conditions that prohibited him from possessing controlled drugs. He had been released on bail in February following a separate matter, for which he is due to be sentenced in September. His defence lawyer said the accused denies the new charges.

Police opposed bail, citing a high likelihood of further offending and a significant flight risk. The prosecution suggested Mr Gaynor might feel pressure to repay others who suffered a financial loss from the seized cash.

The defence solicitor highlighted Mr Gaynor’s mental health difficulties and a difficult upbringing that involved time with many care parents. The court was told his partner is pregnant and relies on his support. The defence argued he was not a flight risk and that his passport was not kept in a bag as police claimed.

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter refused bail, noting the breach of court conditions and a risk of further offences if released. He also agreed there was a risk the accused might fail to appear. Mr Gaynor was remanded in custody to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court via video link on 14 August.