Sunday 1 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. 11522Drugs for sale or supply · Co. Laois

Man sentenced for drugs for sale or supply in Portlaoise

Michael Houlihan, a man aged 44 or 45, was accused of possessing drugs valued at €1,100 for sale or supply at his address in Portlaoise, Laois, on 18 November 2025. At his first appearance at Portlaoise District Court, his solicitor entered a not guilty plea and the case was adjourned for a Forensic Science Ireland certificate of analysis. He later pleaded guilty before Judge Andrew Gubbins and was fined €500 with six months to pay, and the destruction of the drugs was ordered. Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes noted the man had been cooperative when gardaí discovered the drugs and that he had 14 previous convictions including one for possession of drugs.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Jan
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced9 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Michael Houlihan, 44 or 45, of 10 Lake Glen, Kilminchy, Portlaoise, was accused of possessing drugs valued at €1,100 for sale or supply at his address.
Where
The drugs were found at his address in Portlaoise, Laois.
When
The drugs were discovered on 18 November 2025.
Charges
Michael Houlihan was charged with having drugs valued at €1,100 for sale or supply.
In court
  • At his first appearance at Portlaoise District Court, his solicitor entered a not guilty plea and Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case until 5 October for a Forensic Science Ireland certificate of analysis.
  • He later pleaded guilty before Judge Andrew Gubbins at Portlaoise District Court.
Sentence
Judge Andrew Gubbins fined the man €500 with six months to pay and ordered the destruction of the drugs.
Other details
  • The man had 14 previous convictions including one for possession of drugs.
  • His solicitor said he was not a chronic drug user but had engaged in sporadic drug use.
  • Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the man had been cooperative when gardaí discovered the drugs.
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMichael Houlihan, 45, of 10 Lake Glen, Kilminchy, Portlaoise, was accused of possessing drugs at his address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatDrugs valued at €1,100 were discovered at his house. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe accusation concerned drugs at his address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe drugs were found at his address on 18 November 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeMichael Houlihan was accused of having drugs valued at €1,100 for sale or supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe man was pleading guilty to the offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtMichael Houlihan's solicitor said he was pleading not guilty. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe not guilty plea meant a certificate of analysis was required from Forensic Science Ireland. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody adjourned the case until October 5 for a certificate of analysis. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Andrew Gubbins fined the man €500. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe was given six months to pay the fine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe destruction of the drugs was ordered. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had been cooperative when gardaí discovered the drugs. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe man had 14 previous convictions including one for possession of drugs. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he was not a chronic drug user but had engaged in sporadic drug use. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Oct2026
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, follow-up
    Man admitted possessing drugs in Portlaoise

    Houlihan, previously pleading not guilty with a certificate-of-analysis delay (case 11522), now pleaded guilty and was fined €500 with six months to pay; the drugs were ordered destroyed.

    convicted, Michael Houlihan, 45, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Houlihan
  2. 13 Jan2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    District Court President sent letter over comments by Judge who sits in Laois

    Reports the court sitting for Michael Houlihan, including the judge's comments on a Forensic Science Ireland letter about certificate timescales. The letter and comments are a court matter rather than a separate crime.

    accused, Michael Houlihan, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Houlihan