‘Final warning’ for Westport man in court on drug charges
The defendant appeared before Castlebar District Court.
A Westport man facing a number of drug charges was told he is "on his final warning" when he appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Castlebar District Court.
Jack Devoy, aged 25, of 21 Sea Wharf, The Quay, Westport, was before the court on three new charges.
Garda Evan Joyce of Castlebar Garda Station told the court that he arrested Devoy at The Mall, Castlebar, before the court sitting. He made no reply when the charges were put to him. Gda Sgt John O’Reilly outlined that the charges related to the possession of controlled drugs, including cannabis valued at €19.60 and cocaine valued at €14.70.
Judge Murphy said she was accepting jurisdiction for the summary disposal of all three matters.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said a previously prepared probation report was not positive and noted that Devoy had failed to attend two probation appointments in October and November, without explanation. He said the court was now dealing with a third drugs offence and a second cannabis offence, adding that engagement with the Probation Service had not been "optimal".
“He is a young man of 25,” Mr Mulchrone said. “He needs to get on top of the difficulties he is facing. It is a slippery slope.”
He told the court that Devoy had previously been working with an addiction counsellor through the HSE, but did not appear to be engaging at present.
Judge Murphy said she was very concerned by what she was hearing, particularly in relation to outstanding community service hours from previous convictions.
Devoy confirmed to the court that the community service had not yet been fully completed.
A probation officer informed the court that attempts had been made to contact Devoy regarding the outstanding hours.
Judge Murphy warned the accused that missing appointments was unacceptable and said he was very much on his final opportunity before the court. All matters were adjourned to March 18 for a plea or hearing date, to allow Devoy to engage with the Probation Service and complete his outstanding community service.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
