Longford District Court hears forensic lab delays put Gardaí ‘between a rock and a hard place’

Delays in the issuing of certificates of analysis by Forensic Science Ireland may see charges struck out in Longford District Court.
The issue raised its head in two cases at last week's court sitting. Inspector Paddy McGirl explained that prosecutions were delayed as the national forensic lab had yet to issue certificates of analysis in respect of suspected drugs.

This certificate from FSI, which is staffed by scientists and analysts who examine samples submitted from crime scenes, are used by the DPP in deciding to progress with criminal trials.

FSI also examines items that possibly come into contact with drugs, such as weighing scales or other drug dealing equipment, to determine if traces of a controlled substance are present.

The case against Larissa Hanafin (34) of 33 Moycourt, Ballymahon, Longford, is stalled until FSI issue a certificate of analysis. Inspector McGirl said it can take between 14 and 18 months to get a certificate. Inspector McGirl said Gardaí were “between a rock and a hard place”.
Ms Hanafin faces a charge that on August 8, 2022 at her home address she was in possession of cannabis, and a second charge of possession for sale of supply.

Solicitor Fiona Baxter stated her client was being prejudiced by the delay in the prosecution. Ms Baxter said a Garda vetting application cannot progress until her client's case is concluded.
Another defendant, Deborah Kilduff (34) of 5 Congress Terrace, St Michael's Road, Longford has had the charges against her stalled pending a certificate which only issued in January. The defendant faces a charge of cannabis possession and possession for sale or supply dating back to October 22, 2021 at her home address.

Solicitor John Quinn said his client has attended court on six occasions and the State “has had plenty of time to put their house in order”. Inspector McGirl said this is another case where the certificate of analysis has caused a a delay in the progress of the prosecution.

In the charges against Larissa Hanafin Judge Bernadette Owens remanded the defendant on continuing bail to July 18, 2023 and marked the file as “time passing”, a legal term that puts the onus on the prosecution to move the case forward.

With regard to Deborah Kilduff the judge adjourned it to March 7, 2023 marking it as peremptory against the State, signalling that if the State does not go ahead with the prosecution on that date the matter will be struck out.