Woman described as ‘head of crime gang’ back in court on drug-dealing charges

Whitney Hughes, 31, is charged with 14 offences, including possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply.

Hughes, of Ardcarn Park in Newry, County Down, is also accused of trading in counterfeit goods.

Her father, Mark Lovell, was shot dead in Newry last December - a killing which has been linked to a dispute between rival drug gangs.

Earlier this month, Hughes applied for a change to her bail conditions to allow her to travel to Dublin for the weekend with her partner.

Outlining their objections to the bail variation, a PSNI officer claimed in court that she has criminal links in Dublin.

“She has quite a network in that area and is the head of an organised crime group in Newry,” said the officer.

The application for the bail variation was refused.

Hughes was back in court today to fix a date for a preliminary inquiry in relation to the charges she faces.

A date of December 13 was agreed between her defence solicitor and a judge at Newry Magistrates Court.

She remains on bail.

Mark Lovell, 58, was shot a number of times at close range inside his car while he was parked outside the home of a relative at Ardcarn Park in Newry on December 1 last.

He had survived another murder attempt at his home in Dundalk, County Louth, shortly before he was killed.

Two men were arrested in connection with the murder following searches of a number of properties in Newry.

However, no one has been charged in with Lovell’s killing.

Independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.