Two Laois men sent forward for trial on organised crime offences
Portlaoise Courthouse
TWO Laois men were served with books of evidence at last week’s Portlaoise District Court in relation to alleged organised crime offences.
The first of the defendant’s, Jake Deegan (33), Slatt Lower, Wolfhill, Ballylinan, is charged with money laundering on dates between 1 April and 3 July 2023. He was also charged with conspiring with persons unknown within the state to the possession of controlled drugs for sale or supply between the dates of 16 February and 2 August 2023. He faces another charge of money laundering (€24,015) at Slatt Upper, Wolfhill, Ballylinan on 1 August 2023.
The second accused, Michael Hand (42), Heatherhill Wood, Graiguecullen is charged with conspiring with persons unknown to the possession of controlled drugs for sale or supply within the state between the dates of 16 February and 2 August 2023.
Garda Murray served both accused with books of evidence.
Barrister for both men Donal Callaghan applied on behalf of his instructing solicitor Chris Hogan for one solicitor and three counsel to represent his clients.
He said the reason why he was seeking three counsel to assist in the case was because of the seriousness of the charges, which relate to alleged organised crime offences as well as 800 pages of evidence against his clients.
Judge Andrew Gubbins granted the application.
He sent both men forward for trial to the 27 October sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court and instructed Mr Deegan and Mr Hand that they each had 14 days in which to notify the state of any alibi evidence they wished to rely on during their trials.
