Man admits having cannabis in Portlaoise

A probation report was ordered for a young man who admitted possessing cannabis in Portlaoise. 

Ryan Fogarty, 19, with an address at 51  Lake Drive, Kilminchy, Portlaoise admitted having cannabis valued at €700 at his address on May 19, 2022. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was caught on the street with a cannabis joint on the date in question and a later search of his address revealed €700 cannabis in his bedroom. He said the defendant was cooperative and had no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was in the throes of a significant cannabis addiction at the time. The man was holding the drugs for someone else in order to reduce a drug debt.  

Mr Fitzgerald  said his client might benefit from the assistance of the probation services.  

Ordering a probation and welfare report, Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the matter until June 8. 

“A probation report is not to be an extension of time  to commit more offences,” he warned.