AN alleged drug dealer should not be given a room at a bed and breakfast regarded as a tourist destination, the High Court heard today.
Prosecutors claimed it would be wrong to let the 24-year-old stay at the motel in Derry where families go on holidays.
Opposition was raised as the accused mounted a bid for permission to live there while on bail.
Granted anonymity, he faces a total of eight drugs-related charges.
The alleged offences include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and diazepam on dates between May and September last year.
Resisting the application, a Crown lawyer said: "This is a tourist destination, there is a concern that families and young children may be residing there on vacation."
No claim was made that the defendant may actually try to sell drugs to other guests.
But a police officer told the court that the B&B is advertised on a number of tourism websites.
During the hearing Mr Justice Larkin stated: "It doesn't seem to me a proper basis for objecting to bail on the basis it will lower the tone of a tourist destination to have a drug dealer, on the Crown case, residing there."
Defence barrister Sean Doherty argued that the allegations against his client place him "very firmly at the bottom of the drugs pyramid".
Describing the accused as homeless, counsel insisted the owner of the guest house is willing to let him stay there.
Mr Doherty claimed that undermined any concerns about the defendant coming into contact with tourists.
The case was adjourned.
