Cork man to appear for 13th time in court over €329 drugs possession case

The judge said he will strike out the case if there are no DPP directions by then

Cork District Court heard that the accused was appearing for the 12th time on Friday and had been in custody since May 17. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 47-year-old man accused of having €329 worth of drugs in his possession was remanded in continuing custody on Friday for his 13th court appearance.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said at Cork District Court that the accused was appearing for the 12th time and had been in custody since May 17, charged with having “€329 worth of narcotics”.

Judge David Waters said: “There certainly seems to be delay. I will adjourn to October 15 peremptorily against the State. If there are no DPP directions by then I will strike it out.” 

The defendant was refused bail when gardaí objected as they believed that he would deal more drugs if released.

Twelve deals of crack cocaine and four deals of heroin were allegedly found during a search of the 47-year-old man in Cork City.

Detective Garda Kevin Roche maintained the garda objection to bail because of concerns about the defendant carrying out more drug-dealing if released.

Michael Veale of Cork Simon Community appeared at Cork District Court on the charges of being in possession of crack cocaine and Diamorphine (heroin) for purpose of sale or supply. The alleged offences related to Paul Street, Cork, on May 16.

Mr Burke said there was still no forensic certificate for the analysis of the drugs and there was no knowing when one would issue. 

“This is the only case keeping him in custody and the value of the suspected drugs is quite low in the great scheme of things and is likely to be dealt with at district court level.” 

Judge Waters said at an earlier hearing: “The big issue is that the State have made out a very strong case that he will continue to commit offences (of drug-dealing) if granted bail… I cannot conceive of any conditions that would address the concerns of the State.” 

The street values for the suspected crack cocaine and heroin are €189 and €140, respectively.