Couple fled city after McCrory murder
A couple, who fled Londonderry after the Barry McCrory murder because of concerns around their safety, have been sentenced for drugs offences.
Father of one Mr McCrory, 35, was shot dead as he slept in his girlfriend’s flat in Shipquay Street on October 10.
Police and gardaí launched a manhunt following the killing and six days later local man Kieran McLaughlin was arrested and charged with the murder and is currently being held in custody.
On Tuesday, a 39-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply 600 grams of herbal cannabis which was found by police officers who searched their then home and a car in the Shantallow area of the city on 18 May last year.
Both the house and the car were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The co-defendants, who are partners, were granted anonymity throughout the court process because of concerns about their safety.
Defence barrister Gordon Talbot told Judge Philip Babington that following the murder of Mr McCrory, both defendants fled to England for three weeks after they were advised by the police about security concerns.
The male defendant, who had three previous drugs convictions, was jailed for two years and his partner, who the court was told was anti-drugs and had a distaste for the drugs culture, was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.
