Longford Circuit Court hearing for drug possession charge

A man accused of possession of cocaine and possession for sale or supply will have the charges against him heard in the Circuit Court in September.

Colin Shanley (46) of Drumsillagh, Cootehall, Boyle, Roscommon faces charges that on May 15, 2021 at Longford garda station, Battery Road, Longford he had the unlawful possession of cocaine and a charge of possession of cocaine for sale or supply on the same date at the same location.
Garda Anthony Scanlon gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the defendant on the morning of the court sitting.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the Director of Public Prosecution consented to trial on indictment on both charges on October 3, 2023. The sergeant confirmed that the defendant had been granted station bail and the State was happy to proceed on the same basis.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh made an application for legal aid. She said the defendant was a father of four children. The solicitor said he was on €800 per week, but said this was a lot less than a member of Dáil Eireann who was granted legal aid in the Circuit Court.

Judge Owens granted the legal aid application in the name of Fiona Baxter and one counsel. The judge then made an order to send the matter forward to trial in the circuit Court on October 3, 2023 on the defendant's own bond of €500.

The judge issued an alibi warning informing Mr Shanley that if he wished to provide an alibi he must inform the prosecution within 14 days.