Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18271Drug possession · Co. Laois · 29 Aug 2022

Grandfather admitted cocaine possession at Portlaoise Garda Station

Wayne Stynes, a 46-year-old man, pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court to possessing €140 of cocaine found at Portlaoise Garda Station on 29 August 2022, on the eve of the Electric Picnic festival. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had no previous convictions under the misuse of drugs act, and his solicitor said the drugs were for recreational use. The judge ordered him to make a €500 charitable donation by 2 September 2024, failing which he would be convicted and fined €1,000. The case was reported in February 2024, and the donation deadline is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Wayne Stynes pleaded guilty to possessing €140 of cocaine.
Where
The cocaine was found at Portlaoise Garda Station, Laois.
When
The offence took place on 29 August 2022.
Cause
The offence occurred on the eve of the Electric Picnic festival, which the defendant was due to attend.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was found with the drugs at Portlaoise Garda Station.
In court
The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court and reported in February 2024.
Sentence
  • The judge ordered a €500 charitable donation on or before 2 September 2024.
  • If the donation is not made, the man would be convicted and face a €1,000 fine.
Other details
  • Garda Sergeant Kirby said the defendant had no previous convictions under the misuse of drugs act.
  • His solicitor, Josephine Fitzpatrick, said the drugs were for recreational use.
  • The defendant is a father and grandfather of two, and is a carer.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatWayne Stynes pleaded guilty to possessing €140 of cocaine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe drugs were found at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on 29 August 2022. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe offence occurred on the eve of the Electric Picnic festival. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationA garda sergeant said the defendant was found with the drugs at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge ordered a €500 charitable donation on or before 2 September. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceIf the donation is not made, the man would be convicted and face a €1,000 fine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe garda sergeant said the defendant had no previous convictions under the misuse of drugs act. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe drugs were said to be for recreational use. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is the father of children, has two grandchildren and is a carer. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Feb2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Grandfather admitted having cocaine for Electric Picnic

    Reports the Portlaoise District Court hearing where Wayne Stynes pleaded guilty and the judge ordered a €500 charitable donation by 2 September 2024, with a €1,000 fine and conviction in default.

    accused, Wayne Stynes, 46, male, named, irish (judged from name)Wayne Stynes