A BELFAST man in custody on drugs charges is being wrongly portrayed as a Hannibal Lecter-type figure unsuitable for release under any circumstances, a court heard torday.
Counsel for William Hunter (34) claimed police and the prosecution were intent on ensuring he remains incarcerated at all costs over alleged involvement in a wholesale cocaine and cannabis supply network.
Hunter, of Upper Canning Street, was arrested as part of an investigation into suspected criminality police have linked to the East Belfast UVF.
Previous courts were told a mobile phone seized during an initial raid on his home in October 2020 allegedly revealed messages about drug dealing and money collecting arrangements.
Hunter was detained again in follow-up operations carried out in August last year.
Police recovered just over £1,200 in cash, cannabis with a similar street value, more zip-lock bags and scales at his address, according to the prosecution
Brothers Glenn Rainey, 35, from McArthur Court in Belfast, Mark Rainey, 41, of St Patricks Walk in the city, were also arrested as part of the probe.
All three men deny charges of being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs.
Last week Hunter was temporarily released under police escort to attend a birth registration ceremony for his newborn child.
But at Belfast Magistrates' Court today a defence barrister challenged the level of opposition to his renewed application for full bail.
Sean Mullan argued: "The prosecution say he could not be released (under any conditions), almost painting a Hannibal Lecter-type picture of this man."
Stressing his client's family circumstances and the length of time spent in custody, the barrister claimed the case is "much more modest" than portrayed.
"This is just scaremongering by the prosecution, trying to keep this man in at all costs," Mr Mullan contended.
According to a Crown lawyer, however, judges have repeatedly determined that the risk of further offences cannot be managed by police.
She insisted police are unable to deploy the resources necessary to monitor any release.
Refusing bail, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay rejected submissions about alleged delays in the case.