Bail Granted with Mount Vernon Ban for Man Accused on Weapons Charges

A North Belfast man accused of keeping firearms and ammunition at his home has been granted bail by the High Court, with strict instructions to stay out of the Mount Vernon estate.

Graham Watt, 36, was detained following a police search at a residential property in Mount Vernon Park earlier this year on May 21. During the operation, officers uncovered two handguns along with 65 rounds of ammunition and quantities of suspected crystal meth. Watt denies two charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition under suspicious circumstances.

The court heard that officers executing the search found multiple deal bags containing suspected crystal meth inside a make-up bag on the bedroom floor. A box located under the mattress was found to hold a .22 handgun loaded with ten bullets, alongside an additional 54 rounds. A second handgun was later discovered lying on top of the bed.

Watt was arrested when he returned to the address later that day, with prosecutors stating he was carrying a single live round of ammunition and a small quantity of cannabis. A woman arrested at the scene remains on police bail as investigations continue. While the prosecution characterised her as a temporary resident and potential accessory, Watt's defence counsel stated that the pair had lived together during a whirlwind romance and maintained she had many associates.

Defence barrister Karl McGuckin rejected any suggestion that Watt was linked to criminal networks or drug distribution, describing his client as a stonemason and builder struggling with a personal drug addiction. Counsel argued there was no evidence linking Watt directly to organised dealing.

Granting bail, Ms Justice Smyth noted that strong family backing, including a £2,000 cash surety and employment within his brother's business, proved decisive. Watt was directed to seek professional help for his addiction, observe a curfew at an alternative address, and strictly refrain from entering the Mount Vernon area.