Man tells Leitrim court: ‘It’s only a bag of weed — ya’d swear it was murder charges I’m up for’
Man accepts five days in prison in lieu of €150 fine
A 24-year-old man facing a cannabis possession charge repeatedly interrupted court proceedings to tell a judge, “It’s only a bag of weed — ya’d swear it was murder charges I’m up for,” during a tense video-link exchange from custody in Castlerea prison at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on May 19.
Patrick Stokes with the address Amberlay house 34 lower Gardiner street, Dublin, repeatedly told the court “I want this done and dusted today” and urged that the matter be dealt with quickly before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham. The court heard Mr Stokes was already in custody on separate matters when his case came before the court. Defence counsel sought an adjournment, telling the court they had not yet received full instructions or disclosure in the matter. However, Mr Stokes insisted he wanted the case dealt with immediately and repeatedly interrupted proceedings as the judge attempted to clarify his legal position.
Judge Cunningham explained that his barrister needed an opportunity to speak with him properly before any plea could be formally entered and repeatedly asked Mr Stokes not to
interrupt the court. “It’s only a bag of weed — you’d swear it was murder charges I’m up on”,” Mr Stokes told the judge as the exchange continued. The judge then sought clarification on whether Mr Stokes wished to proceed without the benefit of legal representation acting fully on his behalf.
Mr Stokes confirmed he wanted to proceed without his solicitor’s advice and pleaed guilty to the Offence. The court heard the charge related to cannabis herb. The court also heard Mr Stokes had 125 previous convictions, though he had no previous convictions for cannabis drug offences. Judge Cunningham noted that distinction while imposing sentence. “Well, I’m going to deal with it by way of a fine because you don’t have any previous in terms of that particular offending behaviour,” the judge said.
The court imposed a €150 fine. However, as Mr Stokes was already in custody, the judge agreed — with his consent — to convert the fine into five days imprisonment in lieu of payment.
“Is that okay, Mr Stokes, 5 days in lieu of €150?” Judge Cunningham said. “I agree,” Mr Stokes replied.