Thursday 5 November 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. 29585Possession of drugs (cocaine); drug trafficking (sale or supply) · Co. Laois · 10 Jul 2021

Man pleads guilty to cocaine sale or supply in Portlaoise

Mark Fitzpatrick, a 20-year-old man from Cloneyhurke, Portarlington, was found in possession of five bags of cocaine valued at €350 during a drug deal at Coppers, Market Square, Portlaoise on 10 July 2021. Plain clothes gardai witnessed the transaction, searched him, and a subsequent search of his house found weighing scales and bags. He was charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply and appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where he pleaded guilty. The case was adjourned to January 20 for a probation report. He had no previous convictions.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court18 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The defendant was found in possession of five bags of cocaine valued at €350.
Where
The drug deal took place at Coppers, Market Square, Portlaoise.
When
The incident occurred on 10 July 2021.
Investigation
Plain clothes gardai witnessed a drugs transaction and searched the defendant; a subsequent search of his house found weighing scales and bags.
Charges
The defendant was charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply.
In court
  • The defendant appeared before Portlaoise District Court and pleaded guilty.
  • The case was adjourned to January 20 for a probation report.
Other details
  • The defendant had no previous convictions, was living at home with his mother, and was due to qualify as an electrician.
  • Judge Catherine Staines said the case shows the havoc and destruction that cocaine causes.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe defendant was found in possession of five bags of cocaine valued at €350. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe drug deal took place at Coppers, Market Square, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 10 July 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí were on plain clothes duty when they saw a drugs transaction take place. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe defendant was charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe defendant appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe defendant pleaded guilty. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to January 20 for a probation report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is living at home with his mother. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is due to qualify as an electrician. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherJudge Catherine Staines said the case shows the havoc and destruction that cocaine causes. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Oct2021
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Cocaine causing 'havoc and destruction' declares Laois judge

    Reports the court appearance where the defendant pleaded guilty and the case was adjourned to January 20 for a probation report.

    accused, Mark Fitzpatrick, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Fitzpatrick