Dad on drugs charges gets legal aid, case adjourned for Spanish holiday
The case was adjourned at Portlaoise District Court. File image
A MAN was successful in his application for free legal aid and the postponement of his case at Portlaoise District Court, when he told a judge that he had booked a 10-day Spanish holiday.
The issue arose when father-of-five Jamie Maher from Hillview Drive, Portlaoise was before the court charged with possessing €1,200 worth of cannabis for his own use and for sale or supply and possessing €1,500 in cash at Bull Lane, Portlaoise on 23 July.
Solicitor for the 29-year-old defendant, Michael Byrne, asked for the case to be adjourned for a full hearing and for all evidence gardaí have in the case to be furnished to him ahead of that date.
Judge Susan Fay set 9 June as the date for the hearing.
However, Mr Byrne said that his client would be on holidays.
“Where’s he going on holidays?” asked the judge, to which Mr Byrne replied: “Spain.”
“And he’s asking for free legal aid?” asked Judge Fay.
“I have been paying it off during the year,” said Mr Maher.
Mr Byrne added: “He has it booked. It’s for 10 days.”
The solicitor said his client, who has five children, works driving a forklift and earns approximately €500 a week.
Judge Fay remanded Mr Maher on continuing bail to 16 June for hearing and granted free legal aid.
