Newbridge, County Kildare, drugs case sent forward for trial

A Section 15(A) drugs case was sent forward for trial by a substitute judge who appeared at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 20.

According to legislation, Section 15(A) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, relates to an accusation of drug-dealing.

Specifically, it relates to the alleged possession of drugs with value of €13,000 or more.

The case involves five defendants: Alesandro Velardo, 34, with an address listed as 85 Foxdean Avenue in Clondalkin, County Dublin but who is currently remanded in custody; Jamie Doyle, 35, with an address listed as the Peter McVerry Trust shelter in Newbridge but who is currently remanded in custody; Paul Molloy, 40, with an address listed as Kilmurray in Clane; Marisa O'Reilly, 32, with an address listed as 42 Lime Tree Avenue in Kilminchy, County Portlaoise, and Eanna Birchall, 28, with an address listed in Hazelwood, Coosan in Athlone, County Westmeath.

Mr Birchall was not present on the date in question.

It was alleged by gardaí that the drugs were found at a property on Anne Street in Newbridge on, April 24 last.

After books of evidence were served on the defendants, substitute Judge Deirdre Gearty sent them forward for trial at the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which will commence on October 3.

Gardaí applied for a bench warrant for Mr Birchall, citing his absence, which was granted by Judge Gearty.