Cocaine found in jacket pocket of Kildare man going for a night out

A man was found with cocaine and cannabis after refusing to get off a bus in Portlaoise.

Owen Delaney, 21, of 38 Oaktree Avenue, Kildare was arrested at JFL Avenue in Portlaoise on September 17 last.

Sgt JJ Kirby said gardai were called to the bus at 5am in response to an intoxicated male who was refusing to get off a bus. “The male was roaring and shouting,  causing a scene, refused to keep his voice down,” said Sgt Kirby.

He was arrested and gardai discovered cannabis worth €10 and cocaine valued at €80 in his jacket at Portlaoise Garda Station.

The man had no previous convictions.  

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had travelled from Kildare to Portlaoise for a night out. “It was actually his friend who refused to get off the bus,” said Mr Meagher.

He said the man has little recollection of what happens and is very apologetic. “The drugs that were found on him he had for a number of months, they were purchased for a festival,” he stated.

Judge Andrew Cody fined the man €200 for the cocaine, €200 for abusive and threatening behaviour and he took the public intoxication charge and cannabis possession into consideration.