Portlaoise Court: Man with 110 previous convictions avoids jail sentence
Portlaoise Courthouse
AT Portlaoise District Court last week, a solicitor for a man asked Judge Susan Fay not to impose a custodial sentence on her client who had amassed 110 previous convictions.
The court was told that the 34-year old defendant’s convictions included 26 for possessing drugs for his own use and six for possessing drugs for sale or supply.
Before the court was Karl Fox from The Willows, Oldgrange Wood, Monasterevin, Kildare where he pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and heroin for his own use at his address on 11 March 2022.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that during a garda search of Mr Fox’s house €500 worth of drugs were found in his bedroom.
Defence solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said: “Mr Fox is under no illusion that he is at risk (of a prison sentence).”
She said: “He’s no longer living in Laois and is asking not to impose a custodial sentence. He cooperated fully with gardaí and is willing to undergo a probation report.”
Judge Susan Fay said: “I’ll give him an opportunity to be considered to give back to society.”
She directed that Mr Fox to undertake a probation report and a community service assessment. If found to be a suitable candidate for community service she said she would impose 200 hours in lieu of six months in prison.
“You now have a choice,” said Judge Fay, “and an opportunity to avoid a conviction.”
She then adjourned the case to 12 May for a probation report and community service report and remanded Mr Fox on continuing bail.
