Judge refuses to hear Laois drug case

Judge Andrew Cody refused to hear a drug case as the value exceeded €5,000. 

Mathew Budzisewski, 30, of The Malthouse, Stradbally appeared before Portlaoise District Court charged with having cannabis for sale or supply at his address on March 7 last year. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had agreed to allow the case to be heard in the District Court on condition that there was a guilty plea. 

He told Judge Cody that the man was accused of having one gram of cocaine and cannabis valued at €6,640.

“I am not accepting jurisdiction, not above €5,000,” said Judge Cody. He said it was a very substantial amount of drugs and “above my pay grade.” 

Judge Cody adjourned the matter to March 9 for DPP directions.