A DAY of reckoning is nigh for those currently awaiting trial on drug-related charges, a Judge has warned.
Because of the ongoing legal aid dispute, most solicitors in Galway are refusing to act in cases which would normally involve the granting of legal aid to defendants. As a result, a considerable backlog of such charges has been building up.
However, Judge Fiona Lydon warned at Galway District Court this week that as soon as the dispute was resolved, she would be prioritising drug-related cases.
Judge Lydon made her comments when adjourning a case against Adam Kelly (19 ), 8 Radharc na Gréine, Old Monivea Rd, Galway who is charged with possession of drugs to the value of €1,459. This sum is made up of ketamine valued at €990 and cocaine valued at €469.
Accepting jurisdiction, she said she was concerned that someone so young is alleged to be in possession of such a mix of drugs.
She asked all legal practitioners present to note that as soon as the solicitors’ dispute was over she would be dealing expeditiously with all sale-and-supply charges.
“This is a priority for this Judge and I’ll be bringing forward all drugs cases. Just so everybody knows,” she added.
