A lorry driver, Jonathan Dinsmore, charged with drug offenses, was granted bail despite police objections.
The charges include possessing and supplying cannabis, along with intent to supply. These acts allegedly occurred recently, ranging from November to January. He also allegedly possessed criminal property.
A detective shared details in court, stating they arrested Dinsmore after searching his home. During questioning, Dinsmore admitted to things. He told drivers he needed extra money last year.
Dinsmore agreed to transport cannabis, moving boxes from England to Northern Ireland three times. He used a burner phone supplied by a crime gang each time.
They contacted him while he travelled. The drugs went to Belfast by ferry each time, where others picked them up. Sometimes, Dinsmore drove the drugs to specific locations.
He received £2,000 each time he did this. Dinsmore recruited another driver, telling him to also carry drugs. That driver supposedly lost the drugs, which went to the wrong people.
Dinsmore thinks it was 47 kilos, with a street value around £700,000. Police located £1,000 cash strapped to a phone near Dinsmore’s home on a fence post. He said he hid it to avoid detection.
The court learned he owes a gang £100,000 from the missing drugs. The detective protested the bail, mentioning criminal gangs might target Dinsmore.
The judge acknowledged the danger but said the police should manage it. He noted Dinsmore can’t pay the gang and has no way to get £100,000.
The detective thinks Dinsmore might contact the gang, stating Dinsmore knows them better than he said. The detective doesn’t think he was honest.
The defense lawyer questioned the detective, pointing out that without Dinsmore’s admissions, there would be no charges. No drugs were in his house, and he willingly led police to the phone and cash.
The judge called Dinsmore a “clean banana,” saying gangs target people like him. They pick people without drug records who are easily disposable.
The defense said Dinsmore wouldn’t reach out because he provided police with much information. The detective still fears gang members might try to find him.
The judge granted bail after considering. The amount is £500. Dinsmore must live at an approved address and provide phone details to police, who can access his phone.
The case returns to court on March 4.