Thursday 29 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. 9096Possession of a flick knife and possession of drugs for sale or supply · Co. Laois · 26 Mar 2025

Man appears in court over flick knife and drugs in Portlaoise

Derek Cleary (26), of Newcastle, Dublin, was charged with possessing a flick knife and possessing drugs for sale or supply at Ridge Road, Portlaoise, on 26 March 2025. Gardaí said a drugs unit garda stopped him, he fled, was caught, and was found with drugs valued at €640 and a small flick knife. At Portlaoise District Court his barrister asked the court not to extend his time in custody, and the judge referred him to probation services and requested a community service suitability assessment. The matter was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 16 November.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court12 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Derek Cleary was charged with possessing a flick knife and possessing drugs for sale or supply.
Where
The alleged offence took place at Ridge Road, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The alleged offence took place on 26 March 2025.
Investigation
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Garda Pat Camon of the drugs unit in Portlaoise stopped the man.
  • The man fled but was caught and was found in possession of drugs and a small flick knife.
Weapon
A small flick knife was found in the man's possession after he was caught.
Charges
The drugs were valued at €640.
In court
  • His barrister asked the court not to extend his time in custody; one report says the barrister persuaded a judge not to extend his prison time.
  • The barrister said the man was turning his life around and had the support of his partner.
  • The judge referred the man to probation services and requested a community service suitability assessment.
  • The matter was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 16 November.
Sentence
The man was in custody and due for release on 25 July 2026.
Other details
  • Gardaí said the man had 20 previous convictions.
  • The court report was published on 12 June 2026.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDerek Cleary was charged with possessing a flick knife and possessing drugs for sale or supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe offence was alleged to have happened at Ridge Road, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence was alleged to have happened on 26 March 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said the man was stopped by a drugs unit garda in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe man fled but was caught and found with drugs and a small flick knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe drugs were valued at €640. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtHis barrister asked the court not to extend his time in custody. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe barrister said the man was turning his life around and had the support of his partner. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge referred the man to probation services and requested a community service suitability assessment. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on 16 November. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the man had 20 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man was in custody and due for release on 25 July 2026. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Jun2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man caught with flick knife and drugs in Portlaoise

    Court report of Derek Cleary's appearance at Portlaoise District Court, with the matter adjourned to 16 November; the article reports the drugs as valued at €640 and says he was due for release on 25 July 2026.

    accused, Derek Cleary, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Derek Cleary