Man had cocaine and cannabis in Laois

A fine was handed down to a man who admitted having cannabis and cocaine in Laois. 

Aristot Tambidila (27) with an address at 7 Millbrook, Portlaoise but who now lives in Dublin admitted having cocaine and cannabis at a house in Millbrook on August 3, 2021. He also admitted having cannabis at Market Square, Portlaoise on August 8, 2022. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said cocaine valued at €35 and cannabis valued at €20 was found during a search of a house in Millbrook on August 3,2021. The man was found with cannabis valued at €20 at Market Square, Portlaoise on August 8, 2022, he said.

Sgt Kirby said the man would be well known to the court and had 53 previous convictions.

“He fell into the wrong company as a young fellow,” said Sgt Kriby.  

“I haven’t really got into trouble in about two or three years,” the accused told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. He said he is now living in Dublin. 

“I did a few courses when I got out of prison last year,” he explained. 

Brian Mallon BL said his client was pleading guilty to the offences. He said the man was working in construction earning around €500 a week. 

Mr Mallon asked if the court would consider offering his client the opportunity to make a contribution to charity rather than face a conviction.  He said the man was no longer using any controlled substances. 

Judge Nicola Andrews said the particulars of each case determined whether they were suitable for poor box contributions. 

She said the case has been listed in the court eight times yet it was only being finalised now.

Noting the defendant’s “huge list of convictions”, Judge Andrews fined the man €1,000 and gave him six months to pay. 

However, the defendant appealed for a reduction and said his monthly bills were “so high” that “€1,000 is too much for me”. 

Judge Andrews reduced the fine to €500 with six months to pay.