Young man had drugs worth €6,000 in two Offaly locations on same day

OVER €6,000 worth of drugs was seized at two separate addresses on the same day in Tullamore, the local District Court heard.

As a result of the finds, Tyler Donoghue (22), 32 Chancery Close, Tullamore pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drugs for sale or supply to others.

Sergeant Justine Reilly told Judge Andrew Cody that both offences were committed on February 17 last.

The first involved the seizure of €5,742 worth of cannabis at Mr Donoghue's own address and the second was cannabis valued at €387 which was found during a search at Meadow Close, Tullamore.

Defending solicitor Aisling Maloney told the court Mr Donoghue had been fully co-operative with the gardai and was fully addressing the drugs issue.

Ms Maloney said the young man had a difficult childhood and had been in therapy but was now just about to start an apprenticeship.

The solicitor said he had already signed up for it and started work and would be registered on the Friday after the court sitting.

Ms Maloney added that while the man had an addiction, he had been free of drugs for three weeks and would be prepared to undergo a drug test in December.

Judge Cody said anyone with over €6,000 worth of drugs will expect a custodial sentence but he was going to remand Mr Donoghue on continuing bail for a probation report and clear urine tests each month from December to March 2027 inclusive.

The judge also said there must be evidence of employment and registration for an apprenticeship and Mr Donoghue must be actively seeking drug addiction treatment by the next court date, April 14 next year. He told the man he must stay out of trouble in the meantime.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)