Man on drugs charges is refusing to engage with Probation Service
The case was heard before Castlebar District Court.
A Westport man has been warned he is heading into a worrying pattern of offending after refusing to engage with the Probation Service in relation to a drugs offence.
Mark Fallon, aged 23, of St Mary’s Crescent, Westport, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Castlebar District Court on Wednesday last on a charge of possessing cocaine valued at €17.50. He has previously been before the courts on other charges.
A probation officer told the court that the defendant was refusing to engage with the Probation Service despite being ordered by the court to do so.
Solicitor Cathy McDarby said her client was reticent and that there was an 'avoidance mechanism' at play, adding that probation was not something within his control as it had been ordered by the court.
The court heard Fallon was unemployed, though Ms McDarby said he was a qualified hairdresser.
Judge Murphy warned the defendant he needed to give himself a chance to get out of this difficulty.
Ms McDarby admitted her client's position was "foolish", but that he remained "adamant".
Judge Murphy said she did not want to see him refuse to engage, noting he was now “in the spotlight” before the court.
The matter was adjourned until April 15 for a final chance for him to engage with Probation Service.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
