Latest news with #Johnston
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man who described himself as Belfast city's ‘number one coke vendor' spared jail again
Judge Sandra Crawford told Kieran Johnston that she was deferring sentencing until December 19 this year to allow him to continue his involvement in training courses and drug addiction intervention programmes. A south Belfast man who described himself as the city's 'No 1 Coke Vendor' has been spared prison for a second time. Judge Sandra Crawford told Kieran Johnston that she was deferring sentencing until December 19 this year to allow him to continue his involvement in training courses and drug addiction intervention programmes. In April this year, the judge postponed sentencing until today to see what progress the 21-year-old has made with his drug addiction issues. Johnston, of Hatfield Street off the Ormeau Road, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. He further admitted offering to supply both cocaine and cannabis and possessing criminal property totalling £9,867. Belfast Crown Court heard that on June 23, 2023, police carried out a search of Johnston's home and found 30g of cocaine in self-sealed bags along with a bag containing 43 ecstasy tablets. A bag containing 15g of benzocaine, a mixing agent used to adulterate cocaine, was also seized. The search also netted drug-related paraphernalia including weighing scales, a grinder, £7,155 in cash was seized along with luxury items of watches, trainers and clothing valued at around £2,700. 'Police seized the defendant's mobile phone and found 25 WhatsApp messages of him offering to sell cocaine and cannabis under the banner headline of 'No 1 Coke Vendor Belfast',' Mr McNeill said. 'The drugs, money and high-value goods were stored in Johnston's house and he was running his criminal operation from his bedroom, supplying street-level deals of drugs.' The court was told that the prosecution accepted that because of his young age, Johnston was likely to have been 'acting on behalf of a wider organised crime group'. During police interviews, Johnston made the case that he had been 'coerced' into the offending after building up a personal drug debt of several thousand pounds. In a pre-sentence report, Johnston told a probation officer: 'I knew what I was doing was wrong.' Kieran Johnston (Credit: Alan Lewis) News in 90 Seconds - June 28th At the sentencing hearing today, Judge Crawford said Johnston is currently working at a part-time job. 'He has engaged positively with Belfast Works Connect and has successfully completed a course in construction skills,' she noted. 'He is embarking on further programmes with this organisation. He has sought a referral for drug intervention and has been referred to Inspire Addiction Services and this is much-needed work and his issues with drug taking are ongoing.' Judge Crawford said Johnston was on a waiting list for that work and the court was told he has his first appointment with Inspire Addiction Services next week. 'It is not without a certain degree of hesitation that I am persuaded that the appropriate course, rather than impose an immediate sentence of imprisonment, is to defer sentencing for six months,' she added. 'I consider that there is meaningful evidence before me to justify such a deferral.' As part of the deferral, Johnston must attend all appointments and engage fully in any drug relapse intervention programmes. He is required to engage with all training courses and opportunities deemed appropriate for him by Belfast Works Connect. The defendant was told he must return to court later this year and be able to show he has kept away from all trouble and further offending and warned not to consume any alcohol or drugs other than those prescribed by his medical advisers. Judge Crawford made it clear she would require an up-to-date pre-sentence report along with a drug test by December's hearing. She said if the defendant can prove that he has complied with all of the conditions of the deferral, she would look at a disposal other than immediate custody. Judge Crawford added: 'This is a matter that is in the defendant's hands. 'If he takes the opportunity that has been afforded to him he will be successful in avoiding a custodial sentence. 'If he doesn't, he will face prison.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Lazy Griff all set for a third crack at Lambourn in Irish Derby
Johnston's charge was a widely unconsidered 50-1 shot for the premier Classic, but belied those odds with an excellent effort to again finish best of the rest behind Aidan O'Brien's front-running colt and round three will take place at the Curragh this weekend. 𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐘! — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 7, 2025 'It wasn't an easy decision to come to, perhaps the Grand Prix de Paris might have been an easier challenge and we certainly wouldn't have been taking on a horse that's already beaten us twice, but the lure of the Irish Derby was too strong to turn down,' said Johnston. 'We're under no illusions about the task in hand because it is two-nil to Lambourn, but having said that we weren't afraid to have another go at him. 'It'll be interesting to see how the race pans out. You can't take anything away from Lambourn and what he did at Epsom at all, but at the same time he was given a very good front-running ride and we all maybe gave him a little bit too much rope on the front end. 'Sunday is going to be a different day on a different track with a different field and we're more than happy to have another go and see what we can do to reverse the form.' Christophe Soumillon was on board Lazy Griff at Epsom, but as the French-based Belgian is required to partner Goliath in Sunday's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Johnston has turned to William Buick to ride his stable star in his bid for Classic glory. William Buick will ride Lazy Griff for the first time in the Irish Derby (David Davies/PA) He added: 'Obviously it's a shame as Goliath and Lazy Griff are probably Christophe's two marquee horses for the season at the moment and it's sod's law that they're both running on the same day. 'It's a shame for him, but we're able to bring William in who is obviously top-class but will also be very confident at the moment after a great Royal Ascot, it's a great replacement to call upon.' Lazy Griff and Lambourn feature in a 10-strong field following Friday's declaration stage, with Aidan O'Brien also saddling Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master and Gallinule Stakes scorer Thrice, as well as Serious Contender and Shackleton, both of whom performed well in defeat at Royal Ascot. His son Joseph runs Derby third Tennessee Stud, while Green Impact is a fascinating contender for Jessica Harrington on what will be his first attempt at a mile and a half. Ralph Beckett's Dante winner Pride Of Arras bids to bounce back from Epsom disappointment, with his stablemate Sir Dinadan completing the line-up.
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Smith, Costello & Crawford takes over the late Phil Johnston's lobbying business
Advertisement Bob Johnston was hopeful to ensure his father's clients continued to get good representation on state lobbying matters, and to find some financial benefit for his mom, Beverly. A few lobbying firms in Boston pursued the deal, but Smith, Costello & Crawford successfully made the case that it would be the best advocate for Johnston's clients. Smith said he hopes to take on all of Johnston's dozen lobbying clients except one who has a conflict with one of the firm's preexisting clients. 'It's been a sprint to talk to everybody, meet with everybody, and hopefully have them feel comfortable joining up,' Smith said. 'So far there's been a great response. ... We're not looking to expand. This is not manifest destiny. We're already big, frankly. ... It just kind of came together.' Advertisement This is an installment of our weekly Bold Types column about the movers and shakers on Boston's business scene. Jon Chesto can be reached at
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Loud explosion in Sliabh Mor as investigation launched into pipe bomb attack
An investigation has been launched following a suspected pipe bomb explosion which occurred in south Armagh in the early hours of this morning. Officers attached to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were alerted to an explosion at a property in Mullaghbawn overnight. The incident took place in the Sliabh Mor area at approximately 12.30am and detectives from Newry are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shocking attack. Detective Sergeant Johnston said: "At approximately 1:00am this morning, police received a report of a loud explosion outside a property in the Sliabh Mor area. "It is believed at this time that a device in the form of a pipe bomb was thrown at the front of a house around 00:30 which subsequently exploded causing substantial damage to windows and an outdoor railing. The occupants of property are a young family who were fortunately not harmed, though they are understandably left shocked and shaken by this incident. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week "Devices of this type can cause damage over a wide area causing destruction far beyond any intended target. "The device has been taken away for further examination and detectives are keen to establish a motive for the attack. "Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 58 of 27/06/25." Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation can also provide it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is an anonymous service and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Commissioner points out Canadian Football League's financial struggles
Thursday's game between the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will see the two football teams battle for a win on the field, but a different kind of battle is happening off the field as well. On Wednesday, CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said the league needs to find ways to drive revenue. 'Seven of nine teams did not make money last year. That's not a sustainable business model,' said Johnston. The only two profitable teams in the 2024-25 season were the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. That means last year, the Edmonton Elks lost money during the season. 1:57 Edmonton Elks fans optimistic about season Johnston says, fortunately, things like TV ratings, attendance and revenues are all up across the league compared to the last few years. Story continues below advertisement 'We've had an increase in television ratings in each of the last couple of years. From my old role I can tell you almost every league would be incredibly envious to see a growth in television ratings,' said Johnston. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Retired CFL defensive tackle Eddie Steele says the state of the CFL is painful to hear. Steele wants to see the league he once played in bounce back, but he says it will take more profitable business decisions. 'The CFL has traditionally been run by TSN, and I think if you can open that up and maybe have some competitiveness with other TV networks competing to try and get some rights and some viewership, there will be more dollars there,' said Steele. For the Double EE, he says, just win. 'At the end of the day, it may sound very overly simple, but you win football games and people will come,' said Steele. For more on this story, you can watch the video at the top of this article.
