Homeless man “exploited” by sinister figure in Laois

Drugs and cash were found at the address of a vulnerable man who was offered free rent by a “sinister individual” in Laois. 

Patrick Flood (35) of 45 Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington admitted having cocaine for sale or supply and laundering €510 in cash at his address on May 26, 2023. 

Garda Neil Slevin of the Laois Drugs Unit gave evidence of discovering the drugs and cash during a search at the property. He said the defendant had no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald asked the garda if he would agree that the defendant had been homeless prior to the incident. Garda Slevin agreed with the solicitor. 

Mr Fitzgerald said it was “suggested to him that he would get free rent if he did certain things in relation to the drugs industry.”

“He was effectively a gillie,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

He said his client had had a very difficult  life and had gone into care at a young age. He has difficulties with anxiety and depression. 

“He was looking for somewhere to stay. This more sinister individual took him in,” he said. 

Garda Slevin agreed and said while the defendant hadn’t named any individuals, he had his suspicions as to who the person might be. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client had been “exploited” and he asked the judge to deal with the case as leniently as possible. 

Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and remanded the defendant on bail to reappear before Portlaoise District Court on May 25.