Bail refused to cocaine accused

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/5384980.stm

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A 40-year-old woman accused of cocaine dealing at her home in west Belfast has been refused bail in the High Court.

A prosecution lawyer said police who searched Paula Mary McKeever's home at Iris Street found cocaine worth £10,000 in kitchen cupboards and £6,000 cash.

He said she denied any knowledge of the drugs and cash, saying it belonged to her nephew who had a key to the house.

Denying bail, the judge said "everybody knows young lives are being ruined every day by this kind of activity".

The prosecution lawyer said the cocaine was found in kitchen cupboards while the cash was wrapped in cling film in a drawer.

He said Ms McKeever told police she had spoken to her nephew following the search, and "he said he was going to hand himself in but he has not done so".

Ms McKeever's defence lawyer said her nephew's solicitor had been in contact with police.

He added: "He has access to the house and there was a window of opportunity while the defendant was at work."

The judge said a further bail application could be made if the defendant's nephew came forward and admitted possession.