Thursday 29 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. 8661Obstruction under the Misuse of Drugs Act, public order offence, failing to appear in court, possession of cocaine · Co. Offaly

Tullamore man sentenced for obstruction, public order offence and failing to appear in court

Martin Cawley (31), of Puttaghaun, Tullamore, was searched by a garda executing a bench warrant on Harbour Street, Tullamore, and a tissue containing a white powder was taken; the substance was sent to Forensic Science Ireland for testing. He appeared in custody at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody, accused of obstruction under Section 21 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, a public order offence and failing to appear in court. Judge Cody later found him guilty and convicted him of possession after the substance was certified as cocaine. On 9 July 2026 he was sentenced to three months for obstruction, one month for failing to appear in court and a further two months on another charge, with the prosecution's application to re-enter a previously suspended sentence still unresolved in the reporting.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Martin Cawley, 31, of Puttaghaun, Tullamore, was sentenced at Tullamore District Court.
Where
The hearing took place at Tullamore District Court in County Offaly.
When
The incident date is not given, and the sentencing was reported on 9 July 2026.
Investigation
  • A garda executing a bench warrant searched Cawley on Harbour Street, Tullamore, and took a tissue containing a white powder.
  • The alleged cocaine was sent to Forensic Science Ireland for testing.
Charges
Cawley appeared in custody accused of obstruction under Section 21 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, a public order offence and failing to appear in court.
In court
  • Judge Andrew Cody presided over the hearing.
  • The drug was valued at €30.
  • Judge Cody found Cawley guilty and convicted him of possession, as the substance had been certified as cocaine.
  • The court was told Cawley had 27 previous convictions.
Sentence
Judge Cody imposed three months for the obstruction charge, one month for failing to appear in court and a further two months.
Other details
  • Defence counsel said Cawley was addicted to cocaine and was doing well in prison and would be getting drug treatment.
  • The prosecution also sought re-entry of a previously suspended sentence, and the reporting provided does not give the outcome of that application.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe hearing took place at Tullamore District Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationA garda executing a bench warrant searched Cawley on Harbour Street, Tullamore, and took a piece of tissue containing a white powder. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe alleged cocaine was sent to Forensic Science Ireland for testing. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeCawley appeared in custody accused of obstruction under Section 21 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, a public order offence and failing to appear in court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Cody presided over the hearing. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe drug was valued at €30. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody found Cawley guilty and convicted him of possession, as the substance had been certified as cocaine. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe court was told Cawley had 27 previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Cody imposed a three-month sentence on the obstruction charge, a one-month sentence for failing to appear in court and another two-month sentence. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherDefence counsel said Cawley was addicted to cocaine. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherDefence counsel said Cawley was doing well in prison and would be getting drug treatment. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Jul2026
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Drug overdose 'nearly killed' Offaly cocaine addict, District Court hears

    Reports a sentencing hearing at Tullamore District Court in which Martin Cawley received three sentences, and gives background on his drug possession conviction, prior convictions and bench warrants.

    convicted, Martin Cawley, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Cawley