A woman handed over €10,000 in cash at Galway District Court on Monday as bail for her son, and produced evidence that she had a further €10,000 in her account to meet his bail set by the High Court at €20,000.
Appearing before Judge Catherine Ryan via video link from prison was Shomefun Dolapo, 206 An Sean Bhaile, Doughiska, who is facing alleged charges of money laundering and enhancing the activities of a criminal organisation through the distribution of drugs.
The Judge heard that Adeola Delapo, the defendant’s mother, was in court and ready to meet the bail conditions. She handed over €10,000 in cash and assured the Judge that she understood what going bail for her son for this amount meant and she would lose it all if he absconded.
The Court had heard that detectives had verified that she had an additional €10,000 in her bank account to go as an independent surety along with the cash handed over. The Gardaí had checked the origins of the money and were satisfied that it was acceptable. This involved interviews and checking six months of her bank statements.
Judge Ryan asked the mother: “Do you know what will happen if your son doesn’t show up in Court?” She replied that she realised she would lose all €20,000.
The Judge then informed her that if her son absconded or left the country that it was her role to inform the Gardaí and this was a big responsibility for her. The Judge also expressed concern that the €10,000 might be used to secure bail but then removed from the account at any time afterwards.
Barrister Gary McDonald said that his client’s mother understood her responsibilities in this regard and she gave an undertaking under oath not to remove any of the €10,000 in her account before the case was dealt with.
The case was adjourned until the March 9 sitting of the Court.
