Laois man pleaded guilty to drugs possession and money laundering
Portlaoise Courthouse
A LAOIS man who addressed Portlaoise District Court last week said that although he had not discussed his case with his solicitor, he wished to have it finalised that day.
Jordan Lee (27), 5 The Granary, Pearse Street, Mountmellick had previously pleaded guilty to possessing 107 grams of cannabis and drug paraphernalia at his home on 21 January for both personal use and for sale or supply and with laundering €2,415 in cash and possessing cocaine for personal use at his address on the same occasion.
When his case was called last week, Mr Lee told Judge Andrew Cody that he had not spoken with his free legal aid solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick due to the ongoing dispute over legal aid payments with the Department of Justice.
“But, if it’s ok with you Judge, I’d like to finalise the case today,” he said.
“You sure,” asked Judge Cody, to which Mr Lee replied “Yeah.”
Judge Cody asked prosecuting Garda Lynott to outline the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the defendant.
He said that while on duty on 21 January last year, he stopped and searched the defendant and found an ounce of cannabis in his possession. On foot of that, a search of Mr Lee’s house was obtained and €2,000 of cannabis, weighing scales and deal bags, along with €2,415 in cash was found.
Garda Lynott said that since the incident Mr Lee “has disappeared completely off the radar (hasn’t come to garda attention).” Mr Lee said that he had test results on his mobile phone showing that he had been providing clean urine drugs tests.
Judge Cody said: “These are very serious charges. There should be a solicitor here with you.” He went on to remand Mr Lee on continuing bail to the 10 September sitting of the court and informed Mr Lee: “I note what garda Lynott has said. It is very positive.”
