Portuguese national held in custody over Cork cocaine charges

A man from Portugal accused of selling cocaine in Cork on St Patrick's Day remains in prison until early July while prosecutors decide on the case.

Portuguese national held in custody over Cork cocaine charges

A man from Portugal who faces accusations of selling cocaine in Cork on March 17 will stay in prison until July 7 while awaiting instructions from prosecutors.

Pedro De Oliveira, who lives at Eagle Valley in Wilton, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court through a video connection from jail. A translator helped him understand the proceedings, as reported by echo live.

Police sergeant Gearóid Davis asked the judge to keep the suspect behind bars for four more weeks. He explained that lab results for the substances found had still not come back.

The defendant faces charges of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it at Grand Parade in Cork at 2:30pm on March 17, and again later at his residence in Wilton.

His lawyer, Frank Buttimer, argued that the court should set a firm deadline for the prosecution, pointing to widespread backlogs in getting forensic reports and DPP decisions.

Judge Miriam Walsh initially indicated she would refuse such a request for a shorter custody period. Because the suspect agreed to remain in custody for the full four-week period, however, she granted the defence's request and imposed a strict deadline on the prosecution.

If the Director of Public Prosecutions does not issue directions by July 7, the matter will be dismissed. Authorities would still be free to recharge the suspect at a future date.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)