Friday 30 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. 17233Drug offence (cocaine for sale or supply) · Co. Laois · 12 Dec 2023

Retired army corporal accused of cocaine for sale or supply in Laois

Jason Hughes (41), of 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, Laois, is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply at his address on December 12, 2023. Gardaí said the alleged amount of drugs was large. At a court appearance reported on May 19, 2024, a barrister for the accused asked for legal aid and said he was a former Army Corporal who had retired. Judge Nicola Andrews granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 9, with DPP directions still awaited.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Jason Hughes is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply.
Where
He is accused of having the drugs at his address, 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, Laois.
When
  • The alleged offence took place on December 12, 2023.
  • A court appearance was reported in an article published on May 19, 2024.
Other details
  • He is 41 years old.
  • A barrister said he was an Army Corporal who had subsequently retired and was living on stamps.
  • Gardaí said the alleged amount of drugs was large.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said DPP directions were awaited in the case.
In court
  • A barrister for the accused asked for legal aid.
  • Judge Nicola Andrews granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 9.
  • One report says he appeared before Laois District Court, while the adjournment is to Portlaoise District Court.
Charges
An earlier account described benzocaine possession, while the court report describes cocaine for sale or supply.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereJason Hughes of 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, is accused of having drugs at his address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offence took place on December 12, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said DPP directions were awaited in the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeJason Hughes is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA barrister for the accused asked for legal aid. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 9. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the alleged amount of drugs was large. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherA barrister said the defendant was an Army Corporal who had subsequently retired. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 May2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Former soldier accused of having drugs for sale or supply in Laois

    Reports a court appearance where Jason Hughes is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply, not the benzocaine possession described in the existing case. Adds age 41, the address 12 Railway Mews, the DPP directions being awaited, the legal aid grant, and the adjournment to December 9.

    accused, Jason Hughes, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Hughes