Man remanded as drugs seized after Bridgend checkpoint turn-away

A man caught with a quantity of drugs after turning away from a checkpoint in Bridgend at the weekend has been remanded in custody.

Dean Beattie has been charged with a series of offences relating to the incident at Mannerstown Crossroads, Bunnamayne, Bridgend on April 18.

Having initially been brought before a special sitting of the court at the weekend, Beattie appeared via video link from Castlerea Prison at Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court.

The 33-year-old, of Glenvale Road in Derry, was arrested after being pursued by Gardai when he turned away from a checkpoint in the Bridgend area.

A quantity of illegal drugs and cash were seized in the operation and Beattie was also charged with offences including dangerous driving and drug-driving.

His solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, consented to the matter being adjourned until May 18 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Beattie was charged that he had unlawfully in his possession a controlled drug, namely cannabis, contrary to section 27 (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as substituted by section 6 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984.

Beattie was also charged with dangerous driving, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as substituted by section 4 of the Road Traffic (No.2) Act, 2011.

The defendant was also charged with driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, a charge contrary to section 4 (1) and (5) of the Road Traffic Act 2010.

Beattie was also charged with driving without insurance and driving without a license.

A second man was also arrested at the scene, but has since been released.