Man was allegedly handed drugs outside Laois courthouse

A man was allegedly handed €400 worth of heroin outside Portlaoise District Court, the local court heard recently. 

John Kelly 39, of 69 Hillview Drive, Portlaoise is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply at Main Street in Portlaoise on September 7, 2021. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said it would be alleged that when he was being taken from a prison van “a female handed him a package” and €400 of heroin was later recovered. 

The court was told the man is in the UK at the moment. Judge Patricia Cronin remanded the case until July 7.