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. 21224Drugs offence (possession of crack cocaine) · Co. Laois · 17 Apr 2023

Man admits possessing crack cocaine in Portlaoise

David Byrne, 34, admitted having crack cocaine for personal use at Portlaoise Garda Station in Laois on April 17, 2023. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he was searched there and had a piece of crack cocaine valued at €70, and that Byrne had 69 previous convictions. Byrne entered a guilty plea, and his solicitor Philip Meagher said he has had difficulty with mental health for many years. Judge Andrew Cody gave him a one-month sentence, suspended for two years, which was the latest development in the case as reported in May 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced5 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • David Byrne, 34, admitted having crack cocaine for his own personal use in Portlaoise.
  • The amount was a piece of crack cocaine valued at €70.
Where
The crack cocaine was admitted at Portlaoise Garda Station in Laois.
When
The offence took place on April 17, 2023.
Investigation
Gardaí searched Byrne at Portlaoise Garda Station.
Charges
Byrne entered a guilty plea.
In court
Judge Andrew Cody presided over the case.
Sentence
Byrne was given a one-month sentence, suspended for two years.
Other details
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Byrne has 69 previous convictions.
  • Solicitor Philip Meagher said Byrne has had difficulty with mental health for many years and had struggled with heroin and crack cocaine.
  • The report was dated 5 May 2023 in the article listing and 7 May 2023 in the article text.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man admitted having crack cocaine for personal use in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatHe had a piece of crack cocaine valued at €70. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe man admitted having crack cocaine at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on April 17. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí searched the man at Portlaoise Garda Station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe man entered a guilty plea and cooperated. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Cody gave the man a one-month sentence, suspended for two years. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man admitted the crack cocaine was for his own personal use. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant has 69 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe solicitor said the man has had difficulty for many years with mental health. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 May2023
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Had crack cocaine in Portlaoise

    First report of this case. Adds the court outcome: a guilty plea, a one-month sentence suspended for two years, and the solicitor's account of the accused's mental health and treatment.

    convicted, David Byrne, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Byrne