Jury discharged in trial of man facing drugs charges

A JURY of nine women and three men were discharged when a trial involving three charges of alleged possession of cocaine at Rosslare Europort came before Wexford Circuit Criminal Court.

Thomas Doyle, of Coolabash, Athy, Co. Kildare, had pleaded not guilty to possessing cocaine with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply, at Rosslare Europort on July 25, 2016.

Prosecuting Counsel, Willian Fennelly, told the court that the defendant’s vehicle was stopped and checked after disembarking from the ferry from France on July 25,2016. He said that within the bodywork of the vehicle fifteen packets of cocaine were found, removed and analysed. The defendant denied any knowledge of the drugs.

Defence Counsel, Paul Murray, S.C. said he had a number of legal applications to make in the absence of the jury. The legal arguments took place on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning of last week, before evidence was given in the trial.

Customs officer, Geraldine Gahan, who was on duty that day, said that at 8.25 a.m. the vehicles began to disembark. After stopping the vehicle in question, she identified herself to the driver and detained the vehicle for a search. An X-ray scan showed an anomaly on the floor of the truck. Replying to Mr. Murray, she said the driver was polite, courteous and co-operative at all times.

Another customs officer, Raymond Cronan, said he looked for documentation from driver Thomas Doyle, who said he was not the owner of the vehicle. He said Mr Doyle had travelled from Rosslare the previous Friday to Dover, on to Calais and then to Holland where he was to collect another vehicle.

When told the vehicle was not ready, he was ordered to return home. The defendant, he said, furnished all documentation as requested.

He said the vehicle was X-rayed and the floor area drew his attention, which he then brought to the attention of his colleagues. Following a brief break, Defence Counsel Mr. Murray, in the absence of the jury, said there had been a significant development regarding discovery of documents with the trial under way. He maintained that he was provided with further evidence of documentation which he should have been given prior to the trial. ‘Had I not asked I would not have been given that information,’ he said. ‘My approach to the case, as a result, has radically changed. I am completely prejudiced and I ask for a discharge of the jury.’

Judge Quinn acceded to the application and discharged the jury. The case was adjourned to April 11.