West Cork agricultural contractor accused of handling stolen goods facing new drugs charge

Defendant was first arrested on March 19 in connection with ongoing investigations into criminal activity in West Cork, and was charged with handling stolen property

The defendant has been charged with possession of illegal drugs contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Picture: Dan Linehan

An agricultural contractor from West Cork who is facing several charges in relation to the alleged handling of stolen goods has been charged with possession of illegal drugs contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

David Hill, aged 29, of Dunscullib, Leap, Co Cork, appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at Skibbereen District Court. 

Detective Garda Martin Bohane said Mr Hill was arrested by arrangement at Skibbereen courthouse, where the new charge was put to him and he made no reply.

Mr Hill was first arrested on March 19 in connection with ongoing investigations into criminal activity in West Cork, and was charged with handling stolen property. 

He was granted bail on that charge on condition he surrender his passport and EU travel card and not apply for another.

He was also ordered to provide a mobile phone number where he could be contacted, and to sign on at Clonakilty Garda Station on Wednesdays between 8am and 8pm.

The judge also ordered Mr Hill to abstain from intoxicants in public, not to have any contact with witnesses or alleged injured parties, either directly or indirectly, and to abstain from all social media communications except with immediate family members.

An independent surety bond was also provided by Mr Hill’s mother of €500 in addition to his own bond of €100. 

Judge Carroll extended the bail from the original charge to cover the new charge of possession of illegal drugs.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed the charge of handling of stolen goods could be dealt with summarily in the district court. 

The court directed disclosure on all matters be provided to Mr Hill’s solicitor, Colette McCarthy.

Mr Hill was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on June 23 to fix a date for hearing or to enter a plea to the charges. 

Ms McCarthy said she may bring an application to vary Hill’s bail conditions to allow him to have contact with one of the witnesses, as it was necessary for both of their work in agricultural contracting.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme