District Court President sent letter over comments by Judge who sits in Laois

Forensic Science Ireland wrote to the President of the District Court over comments made by Laois Offaly District Court Judge Andrew Cody. 

Judge Cody spoke about the correspondence during a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where Michael Houlihan (44) of 10 Lake Glen, Portlaoise, was accused of having drugs valued at €1,100 for sale or supply at his address. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading not guilty. The not guilty plea meant a certificate of analysis would be required from Forensic Science (FSI) Ireland. 

Judge Cody then revealed FSI had written to the President of the District Court “giving out” that he had said it takes six months to get a certificate. He said quotes from a case at Tullamore District Court were included in the correspondence. 

He noted Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby had requested ten months where a certificate is required. 

“That’s my experience. I am at it 20 years and that is my experience,” said Sgt Kirby. 

In a later case where a certificate was also required in the case of a Section 3 drug offence, in the case of personal drug use, Sgt Kirby said, “my understanding is the certs are taking ten months for these”.  

Judge Cody adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court until October 5 for a certificate of analysis.