A DISTRICT court judge has requested a probation report on a Clonakilty man who was found in possession of cocaine worth almost €500 last year.

Karol Siwek (26), of Convent Way, Clonakilty, pleaded guilty at Clonakilty District Court to two drug possession charges and an obstruction charge. 

A charge of the possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply was withdrawn by the State.

The court heard that at 5.40pm on July 17th last gardaí on patrol in Clonakilty saw a car being driven in a suspicious manner at Wolfe Tone Street. They stopped the car and saw the accused inside along with two other people. 

Mr Siwek got out of the car and gardaí believed he was going to run away. 

They observed him throwing away two see-through bags, which on further analysis were found to be €492.52 worth of cocaine and €74 of cannabis. 

A search carried out on Mr Siwek revealed a broken phone and €295 in cash.

On arrest he admitted to possessing the drugs but said they belonged to someone else.

The court heard that the defendant had 16 previous convictions, including for public order and drug offences dating back to when he was aged 17.

Mr Siwek’s last conviction was on October 28th last, when he received a six-months sentence for affray, suspended for 12 months.

Defence solicitor Éamonn Fleming said his client worked full-time in a local factory and that his mother was in court with him. 

He added that his client is a positive member of society, well-regarded for playing sports and that he was a supporter within his own family.

He asked the judge to consider applying the Probation Act so Mr Siwek could address addiction issues with the help of counselling.

‘He has not shown an iota of seizing his behaviour and has been offending for nine years,’ said Judge Monika Leech.

She asked for a Probation Report to be prepared on Mr Siwek and adjourned the case until July 21st. 

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.