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. 29983Possession of drugs (cannabis, diamorphine); drug trafficking (sale and supply) · Co. Offaly · 2 Aug 2021

Drug possession case heard at Portlaoise court

Sean McHugh, 26, a man from Portarlington, was charged on 2 August 2021 with possession of cannabis, possession for sale or supply, and possession of diamorphine after 20 grams of cannabis worth €425 and diamorphine worth €25 were found in his apartment. At Portlaoise District Court on 22 September 2021, defence counsel presented character evidence noting McHugh has ADHD, had been released from custody and relapsed into drug use, and was selling drugs to feed his own habit. Judge Catherine Staines ordered an up-to-date report to be filed by 9 December.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court22 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
20 grams of cannabis worth €425 and diamorphine worth €25 were found in his apartment.
Where
Apartment 4, Barrow Mews, Portarlington.
When
Sean McHugh was charged on 2 August 2021.
Charges
He was charged with possession of cannabis, possession for sale or supply, and possession of diamorphine.
Other details
  • McHugh admitted the cannabis was for sale and supply.
  • McHugh has ADHD, had been released from custody, and relapsed into drug use.
  • McHugh was selling drugs to feed his own habit and was engaging with the probation service.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court on 22 September 2021.
  • Judge Catherine Staines ordered an up-to-date report by 9 December.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • what20 grams of cannabis worth €425 was found in his apartment. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatDiamorphine worth €25 was also found. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeSean McHugh was charged with possession of cannabis, possession for sale or supply, and possession of diamorphine on 2 August 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeMcHugh admitted the cannabis was for sale and supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Catherine Staines ordered an up-to-date report by 9 December. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMcHugh has ADHD. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMcHugh had been released from custody and relapsed into drug use. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMcHugh was selling drugs to feed his own habit. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMcHugh was engaging with the probation service but is currently using drugs. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Sep2021
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man with drugs in apartment in Laois town was selling to feed his habit, court hears

    Court hearing at which defence presented character evidence (ADHD, prior custody, relapse, selling to feed habit) and the judge ordered an updated report by 9 December.

    accused, Sean McHugh, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Sean McHugh