A MAN accused of murder appeared in court on Saturday accused of having cocaine.
Appearing by videolink at Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday 34-year-old Glenn Rainey confirmed he understood the charge accusing him of possessing the class A drug on February 26 this year.
It is understood that Rainey, who is on bail accused of the murder of community worker Ian Ogle on 27 January 2019, was arrested by police investigating a “display of sinister force" linked to the UVF on February 2 when up to 60 masked men paraded around Pitt Park on the lower Newtownards Road.
In relation to that incident Rainey and two other men aged 53 and 36 have been freed on bail pending reports to the Public Prosecution Service.
In relation to the drug offence, a police officer said he believed he could connect Rainey to the charge of having “£20-30 worth” of cocaine. Prosecuting lawyer Natalie Pinkerton told the court there were objections to bail.
She outlined how the drugs were found under his bed so while Rainey is “entitled to the presumption of innocence...the court can take account of the strength of the Crown case.”
During an exchange with District Judge Mark Hamill, he highlighted that with a six month maximum sentence, it would not be long until Rainey was “time served” and questioned “what’s the likelihood of getting immediate custody” for simple possession.
He told Ms Pinkerton “it’s a pretty flimsy charge” on which to ask a court to refuse bail to someone.
Defence counsel Sean Devine, instructed by solicitor Mark Austin, commented that it was akin to “using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut” and even if Rainey, whose address cannot be published, was to plead guilty, he would likely gave a fine.
Freeing Rainey in his own bail of £400 and ordering him to reside at an approved address until the case resumes on March 18, DJ Hamill said “my practice on simple possession of very rarely to impose a custodial sentence.”