€200 fine for having €5 worth of cannabis in Laois in 2020

A man has been fined €200 for having €5 of cannabis in Portlaoise in 2020. 

Ali Hamisi, 25, of 3 Lake Grove, Kilminchy, Portlaoise admitted possessing cannabis for personal use at Victor’s Superstore, Portlaoise on July 18, 2020. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant had been caught with €5 of cannabis herb. 

Judge Nicola Andrews asked how the case had taken so long. 

Sgt Kirby explained that there had been a delay because there was initially a plea of not guilty and the forensic science laboratory had to issue a certificate to prove it was cannabis. 

Solicitor Michael Byrne said drugs were found under the seat of a car belonging to the man’s then girlfriend. 

“The car was searched and this joint was found,” he explained. 

Mr Byrne said his client is engaging with the probation services and was doing two courses. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant would be well known to the court and had 42 previous convictions. 

Judge Andrews fined the man €200 and gave him six months to pay.