Legal aid for four solicitors requested for man accused of having four types of drugs in Laois

Legal aid was requested for four solicitors to represent a man accused of having four types of drugs in a single package at Portlaoise Prison.

Sean Maloney (27) of 20 Ballywaltrim Heights, Killarney Road, Bray, Co Wicklow is accused of having cannabis, cocaine, heroin and alprazolam for sale or supply at Portlaoise Prison on December 21 last year. 

He appeared in court via video link before Portlaoise District Court where solicitor Michael Byrne requested a remand of a week and said there might be progress on the case. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted that there was a request for four solicitors to be assigned legal aid in the case. 

Mr Byrne confirmed there was and he asked that solicitors Aonghus McCarthy, Aoife McTaggart, Sinead Willox be assigned along with himself.

Judge Cody asked for details of the alleged offence and wanted to know if the drugs were alleged to have been found in a yard, cell or during a visit. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged “a transaction occurred during a visit” and the drugs were contained in a package.

“Were they analysed together? One cert or four certificates?” Judge Cody asked. 

Sgt Kirby told Judge Cody that there was one certificate. He said the case was summary, meaning it would be heard in the district court, and Judge Nicola Andrews had previously accepted jurisdiction. 

“In terms of the legal aid application, why are four solicitors needed?” Judge Cody asked. 

Mr Byrne said the allegation related to four distinct types of drugs. “It is four serious charges,” he said. He pointed out that they were Section 15C charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act. 

“It is hardly intended that four solicitors are going to appear,” said Judge Cody. 

Mr Byrne said “I would doubt that judge, one solicitor will appear in court.” 

Judge Cody adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 12 at 10.30am for the purpose of determining legal aid. He said the defendant can appear via video link on that date.