Laois man sent forward for trial on drugs related charges
Image for illustration purposes
A Laois man who appeared at the local district court was sent forward to the present sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court on drug-related charges.
Judge Andrew Gubbins was informed that the defendant, Anthony Houlihan (39), Conniberry Way, Portlaoise had agreed to be sent forward to the higher court on a guilty plea to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act (possessing cannabis in excess of €13,000 for sale or supply), section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (possessing cannabis for sale or supply) and to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (possessing the drug for his own use).
The offence took place at his address on 2 February.
Judge Gubbins informed Mr Houlihan that going forward to the Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea meant that he accepted guilt to the charges and that if he wished to change his plea in the circuit court, he could do so.
Mr Houlihan’s solicitor Anne Doye applied for free legal aid for one solicitor and a junior counsel to represent the defendant in his case, which was approved by Judge Gubbins.
