Man charged over UVF-linked cocaine seizure under threat from dissident republicans

Lee Gardner has moved to a new, undisclosed address due to the concerns for his safety.

Details emerged as a judge agreed to extend the 33-year-old’s curfew in an attempt to provide greater protection.

Gardner was arrested with a co-accused after police recovered a consignment of cocaine allegedly discarded from a car in the city’s Ravenhill area on March 23.

At the time the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force said the haul, with an estimated street value of £1,680, was linked to the East Belfast UVF.

Quantities of Diazepam, herbal cannabis and £2,500 in cash was also recovered in follow-up searches.

Gardner, previously of Lavinia Square, faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He was granted bail in March, with conditions including a curfew and electronic tag.

Gardner applied to vary those terms at Belfast Magistrates’ Court due to the new threat against him.

District Judge George Conner was told that a warning message has been served on the accused.

“It seems his alleged involvement in this enterprise has brought him to the attention, for some reason, of dissident republicans,” defence counsel Michael Boyd said.

Mr Boyd sought permission for his client to move between locations and to stay out later.

District Judge George Conner refused to allow any further change of address or removal of the tag, but extending Gardner’s curfew, he said: “It’s a reward for abiding by his terms.”