Cork man accused of drug-dealing kisses partner during court case

The defendant's solicitor told the judge it was his client's 41st birthday

Judge David Waters asked what was going on when he saw Mark Kelleher of 13A Sunday School Lane, Blackpool, Cork, approaching someone as he walked from the witness box to the dock at Courtroom 1. File picture: Larry Cummins

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026 - 20:18

Liam Heylin

A man accused of heroin-dealing who was returning to the dock at Cork District Court after giving evidence in his bail application leaned down as he passed the public seating area to kiss someone in the front row.

Judge David Waters asked what was going on when he saw Mark Kelleher of 13A Sunday School Lane, Blackpool, Cork, approaching someone as he walked from the witness box to the dock at Courtroom 1.

The woman spoke up to identify herself as the accused man’s partner and she said he was just pecking her on the cheek.

The judge made no further comment on the matter, except to tell the defendant to sit down.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said in respect of the behaviour in court, if it was an excuse or not, it was Mr Kelleher’s 41st birthday.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said gardaí were opposed to bail being granted to the accused and outlined the background allegations in the matter.

“Garda Seán Colgan and Garda David Foley observed a man now known to them as Mark Kelleher of 13A Sunday School Lane, Blackpool, at Crosse's Green on the new bridge.

“Mr Kelleher absconded from the scene and ran towards Dean’s Hall where he was later stopped by gardaí. He was searched and found in possession of an amber leaf pouch containing 23 deals of suspected diamorphine.”

The defendant gave evidence in his application for bail and said that he was talking to another and gave him a cigarette and that this man handed him the pouch and ran away as the gardaí approached. He said that he (Mark Kelleher) did not own the pouch and didn’t know what was in it when it was given to him.

Judge Waters remanded the defendant in custody until October 27 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.