A SUSPECTED heroin dealer was granted bail today but was warned to stay away from "drug hotspots" in Belfast.
Vitalij Berniukevic, of no fixed abode, is due to stand trial later this year on two drugs offences which he is "vigorously contesting."
The Lithuanian was arrested on December 30 last year on suspicion of possessing heroin with intent to supply at a location in Belfast, and also of possessing the Class A drug.
A two-day trial is scheduled to commence at Belfast Crown Court at the end of November.
The bail application was made at the same court and was agreed by Judge Patricia Smith, who imposed a series of stringent conditions.
Prior to bail being granted, Crown prosecutor Mark Farrell said police were concerned about Berniukevic being released due to fears he would leave the jurisdiction.
He did, however, inform the court that it was the Crown's belief that bail could be granted if stringent conditions were imposed.
Mr Farrell said that while Berniukevic has no criminal record here, he had "unrelated convictions" for public order and theft offences in Lithuania and Italy.
As well as adhering to a curfew, reporting to police three times a week and living at a suitable address, Mr Farrell also asked that Berniukevic be excluded from "alleged dealing areas and drug hotspots" in Belfast.
Regarding police concerns that Berniukevic would leave Northern Ireland, Mr Farrell asked that the accused's passport, and any other national identity documents, be surrendered "to prevent him from travelling."
Defence barrister Declan Quinn assured the court that if granted bail, his client "is not going anywhere."
Mr Quinn also said Berniukevic was contested the charges against him, adding there were "very triable issues in this case that will be determined by the court or jury."
Judge Smyth agreed to release Berniukevic on bail.
