Judge rules warrant not legal in drugs case

A man who was facing trial for possession of over €1m in heroin has had his case dismissed after a judge ruled a search warrant was not legal.

In a judgment delivered at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Mary Ellen Ring ruled a search warrant granted for the home of Stephen Reddington was not in accordance with law.

The judge said the fact that Garda surveillance had observed known drug users frequenting the house was not reasonable grounds on its own, as drug clinics were also frequented by known drug users.

She also noted that there was no inquiry made by the district court judge as to the reliability of the confidential information received by Garda Kevin Dingley. The court heard the warrant was granted at Dublin District Court by Judge John Lindsay on the basis of sworninformation given by Gda Dingley.

Mr Reddington, aged 30, of Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, was facing trial on six drugs-related offences. He was charged with possession for sale or supply of €1,002,780 of heroin at his home on Nov 11, 2011.