A Dublin man allegedly found with 300 cannabis plants with an estimated value of €120,000 in a rural Offaly housing estate, was remanded on continuing bail until June 22 in Athlone District Court this week (April 27 ) to await DPP directions, without having to raise a surety.
Judge Seamus Hughes had planned to set a cash bail of €300, as opposed to a Garda suggstion of €3,000, but when he learned that Andrew McDonnell (28 ), 48, Pembroke Cottages, Ringsend, Dublin 4 was unable to raise it, decided to waive the cash rather than put the State to the cost of keeping him in Cloverhill until his next appearance.
“€300 won’t make a whit of difference to the State compared to the expense of conveying him here, there and everywhere,” said Judge Hughes.
McDonnell was brought to court on Wednesday from Garda custody by members of the Tullamore drugs unit.
Garda Nichola Gleeson told the court how she had arrested McDonnell at 8pm on April 26 at 9, Twickenham, Ballycumber, Co Offaly, and charged him the following morning under Section 17 of the Misuse of Drugs Act [cultivation with intent to supply] in Tullamore Garda Station where “he made no reply to charge”. No evidence was given as to the size, or stage of development, of the haul.
Garda Gleeson stated that the Gardaí had no objection to bail, but asked for an independent cash surety of €3,000.
“The family don’t have it,” said the defendant.
“What about your wider circle of friends?” asked the judge after earlier noting the size of the haul .
“I wouldn’t like to ask them,” said McDonnell.
“But won’t it be returned if you turn up in court?” mused Judge Hughes, before accepting the defendant’s position.
He remanded McDonnell back to Athlone District Court on June 22, on condition he live at the above address, sign on daily at Irishtown Garda Station, and not apply for a passport.
