A 34-year-old man from Ballina, who when searched by gardaí was found in possession of cocaine in a bag concealed in his shoe, was convicted and fined €500 at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
Detective Garda Sinead Caheny carried out a search on Stephen Forde, 3A, The Brook, Ballina under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Ballina Garda Station on December 10 2008, where €177 worth of cocaine was found in his possession.
Solicitor Denis Molloy said that the single man, who is in receipt of Job Seeker’s Allowance, had the drug for his own use and has not used since. Prior to the facts of the case being outlined, Mr Molloy made an application to Judge Mary Devins for legal aid. However the judge refused as the man could afford to purchase almost €200 worth of drugs and Judge Devins said that the legal aid system in this country was being “abused beyond belief”.
Forde was convicted and fined €500.
