Men accused of being part of OCG remanded in prison

Committal proceedings due to take place in May

Seven men have been remanded at the Isle of Man Prison after being accused of being involved in a drug trafficking operation.

They all appeared at Douglas Courthouse today (14 March).

Six of the defendants have been charged with being part of an organised crime group responsible for trafficking drugs to the Island - and cash out of it - between February and October last year.

Appearing via live video link from custody were:

• Forty-two-year-old Dean McLeod of East Damwood Road in Liverpool; he’s also been charged with attempting to remove criminal property on 7 March this year.
• Forty-seven-year-old Christian Mayers of Ashley Park in Onchan; he’s also been charged with being concerned in the production of cocaine and cannabis on 25 October last year.
• Forty-three-year-old John Bates of Clough Road in Liverpool; he’s also been charged with five offences of removing criminal property between 8 February and 8 July last year.

Appearing in person from custody were:

• Thirty-two-year-old Aaron Paul Dickinson of Demesne Road in Douglas; he’s been charged with producing cocaine and cannabis on 25 October and possessing the Class B drug with intent to supply two days later.
• Fifty-seven-year-old Colin Mark Richards of Approach Road in Ramsey; he’s also accused of producing cocaine and cannabis to the Island on 25 October.
• Twenty-four-year-old Liam David Skillicorn of Lhennag Park in Douglas; he’s charged with being concerned in the production of cocaine and cannabis on 25 October.

A seventh man – Dean Andrew Dowling of Tweedmuir Close in Warrington - also appeared in court via live video link.

The 41-year-old has been charged with two offences of being unlawfully concerned in the production of drugs on 25 October.

The court heard the investigation into the alleged OCG culminated in a police chase over The Sloc in October last year: you can find out more HERE.

Bail applications for Mr Skillicorn and Mr Dickinson were refused by magistrates.

All seven men are due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on 23 May.

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 27 June Mr McLeod, Mr Skillicorn, Mr Bates and Mr Dickinson was committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery. They will next appear there on a date to be set. Mr Richards case was adjourned to 18 July.

Update: Mr McLeod, Mr Mayers and Mr Richards are next due to appear at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on 31 January 2025.

Update: Mr McLeod, Mr Mayers, Mr Skillicorn, Mr Dickinson and Mr Bates will next appear at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on 4 April 2025.