A Menlo man accused of operating a cannabis growing factory and with dealing more than €13,000 worth of drugs has been sent forward for trial.
Michael O’Hearain (38 ) with an address at Menlo Cottage, Menlo, Galway, is charged with the cultivation of cannabis plants without a licence and possession of one or more drugs, to wit cannabis, for the purpose of selling or supplying to others which at the time had a market value of more than €13,000, contrary to Section 17 and Section 15(a ) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at Menlo Cottage on October 26, 2010. O’Hearain, a care assistant by profession, is further charged with possession of cannabis and with possession of cannibis for the purpose of selling or supplying to others, contrary to Section 3 and Section 15 of the same act.
At Galway District Court on Monday Garda Barry Walshe gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on O’Hearain in relation to all four charges.
Inspector Ernie Whyte then informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has consented to the matter being sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Galway Circuit Criminal Court commencing February 21.
After giving O’Hearain what is known as the alibi warning, Judge Mary Fahy ordered him to be returned on bail for trial to that date. Legal aid was also granted plus one junior counsel.
