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. 19259Drug possession; possession for sale or supply; obstructing gardaí · Co. Laois · 9 Oct 2023

Portlaoise man charged over cannabis and fleeing gardaí on bicycle

On 9 October 2023, gardaí observed James Whelan (20) of Portlaoise acting suspiciously at Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise, County Laois, and he attempted to flee on his bicycle when they approached him. He was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale or supply, and unlawfully obstructing or impeding a garda, and was reportedly found with €1,000 of cannabis. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where Judge Deirdre Gearty sought a probation report. The latest development is the adjournment of the case to 15 February 2024 for a probation and welfare report.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court3 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
James Whelan, aged 20, was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale or supply, and unlawfully obstructing or impeding a garda.
Where
The incident took place at Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The incident took place on 9 October 2023.
Investigation
  • Gardaí observed Whelan acting suspiciously and approached him.
  • When gardaí approached him, Whelan attempted to flee on his bicycle.
Other details
  • Garda sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that Whelan was found in possession of €1,000 of cannabis.
  • Gardaí said Whelan had never come to garda attention before this, and he comes before the court with no previous convictions.
  • The defence solicitor described the incident as a heavyish crime.
  • The report of the District Court appearance is dated 3 November 2023 in the article index and 5 November 2023 in the article text.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court, where Judge Deirdre Gearty sought a probation report.
  • The case was adjourned to 15 February 2024 for a probation and welfare report.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe incident took place at Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on 9 October 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí observed Whelan acting suspiciously and approached him. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationWhen gardaí approached him, Whelan attempted to flee. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeWhelan was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis for sale or supply, and unlawfully obstructing or impeding a garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Deirdre Gearty sought a probation report on the matter. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to 15 February 2024 for a probation and welfare report. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherWhelan was found in possession of €1,000 of cannabis. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said Whelan had never come to garda attention before this. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence solicitor described the incident as a heavyish crime. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherWhelan comes before the court with no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 3 Nov2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Portlaoise man tried to escape during garda search

    First report of the case, covering the District Court appearance and adjournment to February 2024 for a probation and welfare report.

    accused, James Whelan, 20, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Whelan