EX PSNI MAN TRIED TO BUY GUN AND AMMO

Court told man involved in drug trade

AN ex-policeman is to stand trial accused of trying to buy a pistol, ammunition and silencer on the dark net, a judge ordered yesterday. Allen Kennedy, 31, also faces a series of charges related to his alleged involvement in drug dealing. The accused, whose address was given as Strandtown PSNI station, East Belfast, is understood to have resigned from the force since his arrest last September. He was detained during a sting operation said to have resulted in the seizure of cocaine hidden inside drinks tins. Police reject his claims that he was seeking the gun to take his own life. Kennedy was brought from custody to appeal before Belfast Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary enquiry into the case. He is charged with having the gun, 10 bullets and a silencer with intent to endanger life and in suspicious circumstances. Kennedy is also accused of having up to 50 bullets without a firearm certificate. The alleged drugs offences include having cocaine, cannabis and diazepam with intent to supply. During yesterday’s hearing he declined to testify or call witnesses. Defence solicitor Adrian Harvey did not contest his client has a case to answer. District Judge Fiona Bagnall returned Kennedy for trial at Downpatrick Crown Court. He will remain in custody until arraignment next week. A previous court was told Kennedy was arrested at Annadale Embankment, South Belfast after handing over £500 for a package. A detective claimed he used an online moniker and tag to arrange to buy the gun and ammo. Searches of his car allegedly uncovered drugs hidden in tins of drink and WD-40. It’s claimed suspected dealer bags and mobiles containing texts allegedly associated with someone involved in supplying narcotics were also seized. Two properties were raided as part of the probe which spread to north Down. The court heard in one bedroom where Kennedy stayed police found ecstasy and cannabis, more drug-related paraphernalia, price lists, ammunition and documents linked to the use of the dark net. The defence say he has post-traumatic stress disorder.