MAN WARNED AT RISK OF GOING TO JAIL
A man has been warned he’s at risk of going to jail after he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a small quantity of drugs.
Paul Shields, 11 Crescent Two, Muirhevnamór, who has 14 previous convictions, was remanded on continuing bail to 21 October next for a probation report.
At the outset of last week’s district court case, defence solicitor Barry Callan applied for a dismissal on the grounds of prosecutorial delay.
He submitted the alleged offence occurred on 17 April, 2019. It was unclear when the summons was served; and the matter first came before the court on February 19 last.
Sgt Noel Mohan replied a summons was applied for on August 25, 2019. He didn’t believe the accused was prejudiced. Judge McKiernan agreed, and said there was a case to answer. Mr Callan then indicated his client would be pleading guilty. Evidence was presented that gardaí executed a warrant to search 11 Crescent Two on April 17, 2019.
Shields was present. He was found with a small amount of Alprazolam which he said was for his own use.
Mr Callan added his client has a long-standing difficulty with drugs going back 10 years.
He was released from a four-month sentence shortly before Christmas. He used his time well in custody and is now drug-free and back in the family home.
He has linked in with Turas counselling service, and wants to start a history course in September.
Shields is single, has no children, and receives €204 social welfare per-week.
The judge remarked he was ‘at risk’ as the case was adjourned.