Police Intercept Aircoach Passenger in Intelligence-Led Operation
John Haggerty, with an address listed as Glenmar in Limerick, faced prosecution at Derry Magistrate’s Court after admitting to charges of criminal damage and drug possession.
The sequence of events began on December 23, 2024. Police acted on specific intelligence indicating that a passenger aboard an incoming Aircoach service was transporting illicit substances. Officers intercepted Haggerty upon arrival at the depot, conducted a search, and recovered 15 grams of a Class B drug.
Christmas Day Custody Incident at Police Station
Two days following the initial apprehension, while held in police custody on Christmas Day 2024, Haggerty committed further offenses. Officers discovered that the defendant had defecated inside his police cell. Alongside this act, he wrote the phrase “tiocfaidh ar la” directly onto the wall.
Deep-Cleaning Costs and Defense Arguments
A subsequent deep-cleaning operation required to restore the cell cost £93.
During court proceedings, a defense solicitor addressed the cell damage. The lawyer described the incident as unpleasant for staff while arguing that the actions stemmed from the defendant’s frustration regarding custody over the Christmas holiday.
Suspended Sentence and Restitution Order
The presiding magistrate handed down a three-month prison term, suspended for 18 months. In addition to the suspended sentence, the court ordered Haggerty to pay the £93 restitution covering the cost of the cell cleaning.
Worth a look