Turkey farm worker turns life around since drug arrest
Man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A turkey farm worker effectively turned his life around since being caught in possession of drugs, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court heard.
Michael Fitzpatrick, 24,of 6 Park Lane, Portarlington was found with cannabis at the Link Road, Portarlington and at his address on 19 March 2021. He was also accused of public order offences and found in possession of cocaine at Main Street in Portarlington on June 4, 2022.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said cannabis had been an issue for the defendant at the time of the offending and he was “effectively clearing a debt” by holding the drugs. He said he came to the attention of gardai during a public order incident and was found in possession of cocaine for personal use.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant was found in possession of €3,680 of cannabis.
Judge Andrew Cody said the probation report on the defendant was “very positive” and the defendant had effectively turned his life around. He noted the man was employed at a turkey farm.
“Busy job at this time of the year for poor turkeys,” said Judge Cody.
He fined the man €200 for the public order charges, €200 for possession of cocaine and struck out the cannabis charges. He ordered the destruction of the drugs.