Man convicted in his absence of having cocaine in Laois

A man who failed to appear in court was fined €1,000 for cocaine possession. 

Alexander Berko (34) of 1 Hinds Square, Portlaoise was accused of having cocaine for personal use at Hinds Square on December 30, 2023. 

He had been due to make a €350 contribution to the poor box after being caught with €70 worth of cocaine.

Judge Nicola Andrews said the default position was a conviction and fine. She convicted the man in his absence and imposed a €1,000 fine and gave him six months to pay.