Lawyer faces trial over ‘cocaine’ find at Mountjoy

A SOLICITOR accused of bringing €25 of cocaine to an inmate at Mountjoy Prison during a professional visit is facing trial.

Aonghus McCarthy, 32, denies one charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act of conveying a controlled drug into Mountjoy Prison on February 8.

Cocaine was allegedly found when his wallet was searched, Dublin District Court heard yesterday.

Garda Sergeant Eimear Curran told the court it would be alleged Mr McCarthy entered the jail for a professional visit with an inmate.

The solicitor went through a search area where he put his belt and his wallet on a conveyor belt to be scanned, it was alleged.

Sergeant Curran alleged that as these passed though the scanner a prison officer saw a black object inside the wallet. The prison officer found a bag with a ‘white powder substance inside’.

It was suspected it was a controlled drug and gardaí were contacted, the court heard.

The garda sergeant said Mr McCarthy was interviewed at Mountjoy Garda station.

The substance was found to contain cocaine worth €25, the court heard.

Judge Anthony Halpin accepted jurisdiction for the case to remain in the District Court.

Michael Hanahoe, defending, said he was seeking a date for a hearing which he said would only take about 15 minutes. He said there was a single issue which required his client to give evidence.

The court heard there would also be two State witnesses giving evidence.

Judge Halpin ordered that the trial would take place on March 14 but he agreed to Mr Hanahoe’s request for the case to be listed for mention next Friday.

Mr McCarthy, from Co. Cork but with an address at Wellington House, Dublin 8, was excused from having to attend next week.