No solicitor was available to represent woman at Portlaoise District Court
On ongoing dispute over legal aid has resulted in solicitors withdrawing their services
No solicitor was available to provide legal representation to a woman who was accused of drug possession in Laois.
Theresa Conroy(40) of 3 Mill Lane, Portlaoise was accused of possession of drugs at Goldencroft, Station Road, Portlaoise on August 10, 2025. The accused woman, who is serving a prison sentence, appeared in court via video link.
Solicitor Brian Duffy said “we are not dealing with matters, custody or otherwise, at the moment.”
Judge Andrew Cody asked about the nature of the offence.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it was alleged that the woman was in possession of drugs valued at €20.
Judge Cody noted that it was “not the great train robbery” they were dealing with.
He explained to the woman that the “solicitors here are on a kind of strike” and weren’t in a position to represent her.
“I am pleading guilty,” the woman said.
“I am here,” said Mr Duffy. “There is a withdrawal of services nationwide by solicitors,” said Mr Duffy.
Judge Cody asked the woman if she was doing well in prison.
She said she was doing well, had secured two jobs and was going to school.
Judge Cody asked Sgt Kirby about the woman’s previous convictions.
Sgt Kirby said the vast majority were for theft. He said the woman had two previous convictions under the misuse of drugs act.
“In light of the fact that you are doing so well I am just going to apply the probation act,” said Judge Cody. He explained that that “basically means don’t do it again”. He ordered the destruction of the drugs.