Longford man on drugs charge who failed to secure employment remanded in custody by judge
A defendant who failed to engage with probation services when offered a training course was remanded in custody before a Circuit Court judge concluded his case.
Joe Mears (30), 1 Richmond Street, was convicted of cannabis possession in Longford Circuit Court last year.
The conviction related to a high speed chase by Gardai in which a kilogramme of cannabis was thrown out the window of a car.
Mr Mears and John Doyle (41), 35 The Mill, Clondra, Longford, were convicted by Judge Keenan Johnson of the offence from September 5, 2017 as they drove their VW Passat in the Danesfort area of Navan.
Officers found a Tesco bag containing two packs of cannabis with a total weight of 987.4 gramme, valued at €19,750.
Last January Judge Johnson said he would consider his options if the defendant came before the court with a job by the May sitting of the court.
The matter returned before Judge Kenneth Connolly who was told the defendant had secured work experience in a local tyre depot, with the potential of full time role on completion of the trial period. Judge Connolly said he did not feel this met with the conditions Judge Johnson imposed and adjourned the matter.
When Judge Johnson reviewed the matter on Friday he noted the defendant had not attended training courses recommended by the Probation Services.
Counsel for Joe Mears, Niall Flynn BL, said his client's father recently passed away and the defendant now plays a key role in caring for his six siblings. He said Mr Mears is also a father himself and was looking for “one more chance”.
Judge Johnson said: “I am fed up with giving you one more chance.”
The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before the court on May 18 at which point Judge Johnson will finalise matters.