Portlaoise Court: Man tells judge ‘I’m on the labour, bro’
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who was asked by Judge Andrew Cody whether he was pleading guilty or not guilty to a summons of possessing cannabis replied: “Yeah, I’ll plead guilty. F**k it.” That somewhat unusual reply to a simple enough question came from Jordan Barton (26), 5 Millford Manor Green, Station Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
He was before Portlaoise District Court last week summoned for possessing €40 worth of cannabis for his own use at the Lidl store in Portarlington on 27 September last year.
Garda Sgt Kirby said that when the defendant was searched, €40 worth of cannabis was found in his possession.
Not so, according to Mr Barton: “There were four people there at the time. I didn’t have cannabis on me. It was on the ground when the guards found it.” Sgt Kirby said that Mr Barton: “Has no previous convictions. He had a clear record up to that date.” Judge Cody asked Mr Barton if he was prepared to make a charitable donation to avoid a conviction, to which he replied: “I don’t mind paying a contribution, but I’m on the labour (dole), bro.” ‘‘Could you pay €300 before 27 July,” asked Judge Cody?
‘‘Brew (dole) by the week. Can ya send me that (reminder) letter to me home?’’ “No,” said Judge Cody, who informed the defendant that if the €300 was not paid by 27 July he would convict him of the offence and fine him €150.
