Further charges against man accused of cannabis possession in Offaly

A MAN accused of possessing cannabis in Clara late last year is facing further charges, Tullamore District Court was told.

Judge Andrew Cody heard the new charges will be brought against Hai Huy Tran, aged 52 and with an address at River Street, Clara, next week.

Mr Tran is currently in custody and appeared before the court on Wednesday, February 7 by video link from Wheatfield Prison.

Donal Farrelly, defending solicitor, introduced an interpreter to the court to assist with translating the brief proceedings.

Sergeant Justine Reilly said further charges would be brought next week and a book of evidence will be ready on March 6 next.

Judge Cody remanded Mr Tran in custody to appear before him next Wednesday, February 14.

A month ago Judge Cody noted the length of time Mr Tran had already been in custody and said he would consider a bail application on March 6.

Mr Farrelly said his client was in Ireland in difficult circumstances and it was unlikely there would be a bail application.

However, he asked that the matter be peremptory against the state on the next occasion if a book of evidence was not ready. Judge Cody made his order peremptory against the state.

In addition to a charge of possessing cannabis at the Good Days premises, River Street, Clara on November 4 last, Mr Tran is accused of possessing the drug for sale or supply to others.