Portlaoise man tried to escape during garda search 

A defendant attempted to flee from gardaí to avoid a drugs search, the recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court heard. 

Appearing before the court was James Whelan (20), 8 Cois na hAbhainn, Portlaoise, who was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale or supply and unlawfully obstructing or impeding a garda by attempting to flee from the scene on his bicycle, at Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise on October 9 last. 

Garda sergeant JJ Kirby told the court the defendant was found in possession of €1,000 of cannabis. 

He had been observed “acting suspiciously” by gardaí and when they approached him, he attempted to flee. 

“He never came to garda attention before this,” Sgt Kirby said. 

Defence solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the defendant is a single man and described the incident as a “heavyish crime”. 

“He developed a weed habit,” Mr Fitzgerald said of the defendant, who then began to courier drugs on his bike. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty sought a probation report on the matter, noting that the defendant “obviously shouldn’t be engaged” in such behaviour. 

“I want the Probation Service to have a word with him, as he comes before the court with no previous convictions,” Judge Gearty said. 

The case was adjourned to February 15, 2024 for a probation and welfare report.