Delays in alleged garda car ramming Kildare court case criticised

Delays in a Naas District Court case were criticised by a Kildare solicitor on Thursday, October 26 last.

Tim Kennelly made the comments while defending Dylan Lennon, with an address listed as 6 Kilbelin Close in Newbridge, but who is currently remanded in custody.

The 27-year-old appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan via video-link.

His parents were present in the court on the date in question, and it was heard that his father would be acting as surety for his bail.

Gardaí previously told the court that Mr Lennon was charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply after a garda car was rammed in Newbridge.

Specifically, at the time, Mr Lennon was accused of having drugs for sale or supply at Clownings, Newbridge and 925 Moorefield Crescent, Newbridge, on July 14 and July 15 last.

Detective Garda Seamus Doyle said at the time that the street value of the suspected drugs found, believed to be cocaine and ecstasy, found at Moorefield was around €70,000 (however, on the latest court date, suspected cannabis worth €1,150 was allegedly discovered by gardaí, who alleged that the haul belonged to Mr Lennon).

Solicitor Tim Kennelly. File photograph.

When gardaí told Judge Zaidan on the latest date that they were still waiting on a certificate of analysis for the suspected drugs, Mr Kennelly questioned why this was taking so long.

"I respectfully submit that the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) could easily advance this case if they just give directions," he added.

Mr Kennelly urged the judge to strike out the case against Mr Lennon: "It's four months down the line now, but if you are going to adjourn it, I would ask that you mark the case peremptory against the State."

However, gardaí insisted that the investigation file is being compiled at present.

After listening to both sides, Judge Zaidan said that while he noted Mr Kennelly's concerns, he would not strike out the case against his client, adding: "I'm being realistic; it takes time to investigate these kind of matters, and it's still relatively recent."

However, he did agree to mark the case peremptory against the State when he adjourned it to December 12, to allow time for DPP directions.