Londonderry Judge Warns of Stricter Approach to Class C Drug Offences

A judge in Londonderry has indicated that courts will treat offenses involving Class C drugs “more seriously.” Judge Neil Rafferty made these remarks while committing an individual to prison for drug-related crimes, including the distribution of Class C drugs and the possession of Class B drugs. Gavin White, 33, from Rossnagalliagh, received a sentence of eight months in custody and eight months on licence at Londonderry Crown Court on Thursday. The judge stated he had been informed that Class C substances were responsible for the majority of drug-related fatalities in Derry. During White’s sentencing, Judge Rafferty mentioned a recent briefing from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) concerning drug deaths in the city. Officers conveyed to him that the “vast majority” of these deaths were caused by Class C drugs. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 categorizes drugs into three classes: A, B, and C, based on the harm they can cause when misused. Among the drugs classified as Class C are anabolic steroids, pregabalin, and certain tranquillisers. Judge Rafferty affirmed that the courts would regard this category of drugs “more seriously” than current guidelines specify. The court was informed that on 29 October 2023, police officers on patrol in the Clon Dara area of Derry observed White, who was “clearly under the influence” of some substance. White was known to the police, and a quantity of cannabis was discovered on him, the court heard. When police proceeded to arrest him, he became aggressive, head-butting two officers and assaulting a third. An analysis of his phone, presented in court, revealed that he had been involved in supplying drugs throughout the month of October. The judge informed the court that White had 125 previous convictions and had been the victim of a paramilitary-style attack. An anonymity order that had previously been imposed was also lifted in court on Thursday.