PRISON TERM THREAT FOR CLUB OWNERS

TWO shareholders in the former Circus Circus nightclub in Banbridge, where
£40,000 of drugs were seized, have each been given a two-year suspended
jail term.

In Armagh Crown Court yesterday Judge Randal McKay told the men that
parents trusted when their teenagers went to discos they would not be
exposed to drug dealers.

The accused were Graham Henry (41) of Killnire Park, Bangor and Leonard
McCreery (43) of Culcross Drive, Ballybeen, Dundonald.

They pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to seven charges of knowingly
permitting or suffering the supply of ecstasy, cannabis resin, LSD and
amphetamines while being concerned in the club management.

Club owner Richard Samuel Wainwright (48) of Bangor Road, Holywood walked
free when charges against him were dropped.

Judge McKay told the accused they failed to provide sufficient care to
prevent drugs being brought into the premises.

"I am satisfied neither of you benefitted financially or were directly
involved in drug dealing otherwise you would go to prison for a long time,"
he said.

Senior prosecutor, David Hunter, QC, said in May 1992 drugs with a street
value of £14,000 were seized by police in a raid and that a senior RUC
officer had spoken to Henry on a number of occasions. On November 4 and 11
police raide the premises again. In the first operation drugs worth
£16,000 were uncovered, and £10,000 the next time.

Circus Circus was controlled by Banbridge Inns which had four shareholders.
Henry, who was in charge of running entertainment had a 25% holding and
McCreery, who looked after security, 10%.