Kildare court case involving juvenile struck out due to ‘State failure’

A teenage boy accused of being in possession of suspected cannabis in County Kildare had his case struck out due to 'State failure.'

The boy previously appeared before Naas District Court back in July, where he was accused of being in possession of €6,600 worth of suspected cannabis.

When the case resumed on Thursday, October 19 gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan that, although directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were due on the date in question, they were not ready.

It was also heard that the case was marked peremptory against the State.

Defending solicitor Joe Coonan applied for a strike-out in the case.

When Garda Sergeant Mary Meade told Judge Zaidan that gardaí were seeking one further adjournment for the case in order to secure DPP directions, the judge said: "These are very serious allegations... can you tell me that you have 'X' amount of directions from today?"

In response, Sgt Meade said: "I can’t, Judge, but we (the gardaí) will try and expedite matters as quickly as possible."

She added: "We are still waiting on a certificate of analysis for the suspected drugs, hence why there’s no DPP directions."

"Well, it’s not good enough," the judge replied: "Are they (the State) serious about defeating the illicit drugs trade?"

He agreed to 'reluctantly’ strike-out the case without prejudice, due to ‘State failure.'

However, Judge Zaidan stressed to the defendant that the case could be re-entered at a later date by gardaí if the analysis is completed.