Man admitted possessing heroin in Laois in 2016

A man admitted having heroin at a house in Laois in 2016. 

Edward Harty, 35, of 8 Woodlands Park, Portarlington admitted possessing the drugs at an address in Ossory Court, Borris-in-Ossory on April 21, 2016. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a 7.9 grams of brown powder was found at the property. He said it was found to be diamorphine which was in the house for the defendant’s own use. 

Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man’s last conviction under the drugs act dated back to 2009. 

Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client wished to apologise to the court and gardai. 

“At the time back in 2016 he was in a very bad place,” said Mr Byrne. He said the offending occurred “in the aftermath” of the death of the man’s brother. 

Judge Nicola Andrews agreed to strike out the charges on condition the defendant paid €200 to the court poor box. The money was paid over a short time later and the matter was struck out.