A DISTRICT court judge has told a man caught in the possession of cocaine on two occasions that he must engage in training and get himself a job after hearing he had become stuck in a rut.

Judge Joanne Carroll made the comment when dealing with the case of Edmond Bakaj at Clonakilty District Court. 

Mr Bakaj of 2 Mill Place, Long Quay, Clonakilty pleaded guilty to the possession of cocaine on two separate occasions.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that at 1.45pm on December 13th 2024 Gda Joseph Grimes in the company of other gardaí executed a search warrant at the accused’s home in Clonakilty.

‘He wasn’t there but his housemate directed gardaí to his bedroom where white powder was found in a locker. This was later tested and identified as cocaine with a street value of €10,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

‘The accused called to Clonakilty Garda Station on January 13th 2025 and in a caution memo told gardaí it was painkiller but we got it tested and it was cocaine.’

The court heard he has two previous convictions for road traffic matters.

Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said her client is originally from Albania and has three children who he sees three days a week.

Ms McCarthy said he isn’t currently working but is trying to get back into the workforce.

‘He would welcome the opportunity to help himself as he has fallen into a rut in relation to work,’ said Ms McCarthy, who added that he’s not using drugs but wasn’t sure if he has fully left it behind.

The court heard that he was also charged with the possession of cocaine earlier in 2024 but that a charge of possession for the purpose of sale or supply was dismissed at a subsequent court sitting while gardaí confiscated €200 in cash from him.Judge Joanne Carroll directed him to carry out 70 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison on that drug charge,

She admitted him to a probation bond for 12 months for the charge on December 13th 2024 while conditions attached to the bond include that he co-operate with the probation service, attend all appointments and attend for drug treatment addiction. She also directed him to avail of training and engage in employment opportunities.

Judge Carroll also said she wouldn’t be returning €200 cash found on him despite Ms McCarthy pointing out that a charge of possession for the purpose of sale or supply was dismissed at a previous court sitting.

‘Yes, he got the benefit of a very small doubt,’ said Judge Carroll.