Portlaoise Court: Man who ‘mixed with bad company’ pleads guilty to drug offences
Portlaoise Courthouse
WHILE carrying out a search of a house in Portarlington, gardaí uncovered a white powdery substance. When tested, it was found to be cocaine with a street value of €2,240.
Arising from the find, Padraig Mooney, 39 Cahir na gCapall, Clanmalire, Portarlington pleaded guilty to possessing drugs for his own use and possessing drugs for sale or supply at his residence on 19 April 2024, when he appeared at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
The court heard that the 47-year-old defendant had two previous convictions dating back to 2001.
Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that Mr Mooney’s partner was in the house when gardaí carried out the search and that when his client found out they were there, he phoned them.
Mr Fitzgerald said: “He phoned and explained to them where the drugs were in one of his jackets - and co-operated fully with them.”
The solicitor said that Mr Mooney “was not the main beneficiary of this. There was a figure in the background that he didn’t want to name, as he was mixing with bad company at the time and had a drug habit.
“He accepts that he was holding the drugs and selling them in bags. There had been an arrangement in place that if he sold the drugs he would get his free, with a little bit on top. He is now clean of drugs and has taken steps to deal with his addiction and appears now to be on a different path.”
Judge Susan Fay asked for a probation report on Mr Mooney, remanded him on continuing bail and adjourned the case to 9 June.
