Solicitor well-known in Co Kildare gets chance of avoiding conviction today after cocaine is found in his wallet at Mountjoy Prison

 A solicitor well-known for his appearance on cases at Co Kildare courts has been given a chance to avoid a criminal conviction after being found with cocaine on a visit to Mountjoy Prison.

Aonghus McCarthy (32),Wellington House, Clancy Quay, Dublin 8, claimed someone else put the drugs in his wallet at a party, was told today by Judge Gerry Jones he would get a strike out if he donated €1,250 to a drug addiction treatment centre.

Cocaine worth €25 was found when his wallet was searched.

Garda evidence outlined to  the court that at 6.30pm on February 8th, 2017, Mr McCarthy came to the prison for a professional visit.

A prison officer became concerned when she saw a  patch in the wallet and the X-ray machine was stopped. A plastic packet which contained a white substance was recovered.

The Judge said he would strike out the case and leave Mr McCarthy without a conviction if he donated €1,250 to the Merchant Quay drug project.

The case was adjourned until March 6th.