Judge expresses concern over money laundering at Portlaoise District Court

A Judge told Portlaoise District Court of  his ‘great concern’ in relation to money laundering cases. 

Judge Andrew Cody made the comments while dealing with the case of a woman accused of laundering over €15,000. 

Sapphire Buggy, 23, of 42 Rossconnell Square, Newbridge, Kildare is charged with money laundering a sum of €7,980 in Portlaoise on March 13, 2022 and €7,500 at the same bank branch on March 18, 2020. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client, who had appeared previously, had since engaged with probation services and has a very positive report showing she is at low risk of offending. 

She said her client was a young mother of limited means but was repaying €10 a week. 

“It is small but it is as much as she can manage,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Cody noted the woman wished to become a nurse and said she would require garda clearance to work in a hospital. He said money laundering was a vital element of organised crime. 

“These cases cause me great concern,” he told Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“It is an integral part of the entire drugs industry,” he said of money laundering. 

Judge Cody told the woman to do something “substantial” by way of charity or a good deed to persuade him to strike out the charges. 

He adjourned the case until December 14 to enable the woman to “do something” to persuade him to strike out the charges.