A 62-year-old man has been remanded in custody having been charged this week with possession of cannabis with an estimated value of €70,000 at his home in Mullingar.
Peter Bowman, who has been living as a single-occupier tenant at 23 Ushnagh Court, Lynn Road for the last nine months, is a British citizen.
He was arrested at his home on Monday and was subsequently charged under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. A file on the matter is currently being prepared for the DPP.
Solicitor Louis Kiernan requested that Bowman be granted bail on the basis of his age. He said Bowman suffers from medical difficulties including diabetes and depression.
However, prosecuting Garda David Mead told the court that he had concerns because of the seriousness of the charge and because Bowman's only tie to the area is his daughter, who lives in Mullingar. She was also present in the court.
The garda also requested time for the verification of information which Mr Bowman had provided. He added that further charges may be pending. Bowman has no previous convictions in Ireland.
The court heard that Bowman has been in Ireland for three years and has been employed for the last 18 months. Legal aid was granted by Judge John Neilan on the basis of the remand in custody.
Mr Kiernan said his client had no savings, however Judge Neilan expressed concern about the source of £6,000 which was paid for a 2001 Mercedes car which Bowman bought in Northern Ireland three years ago.
Garda Mead told the court that Bowman claimed this to be his only asset but that it was not registered in his name.
On consent, Bowman was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear before Mullingar District Court on October 1.
Judge Neilan suggested that if Bowman's daughter is to be considered as a suitable bails-person in the event of a future bail application, her name and history should be provided to the court in time.
