Man returned for trial on €10.6 million drugs haul charges

A 61-year-old County Kilkenny man has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court in relation to a €10.6m drugs haul.

Michael Murphy, with an address close to the Kilkenny and Waterford border appeared before Judge John Cheatle at Waterford District Court on Monday, June 9, for the service of the Book of Evidence.

Murphy appeared on four separate charges relating to the discovery of drugs, cocaine, hidden in a truck on the M9 in Co. Kilkenny in March of this year.

At an earlier sitting of a special District Court in Gorey, Co. Wexford, Murphy was charged with the seizure of 152kg of cocaine on the M9 in County Kilkenny. He was also charged with the possession of cocaine and also the possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply the drugs to others.

The accused was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, under Section 3 and Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, regarding possession of drugs and also possession of drugs for sale and supply.

Mr. Gerry Meaney, State Solicitor, told Judge Cheatle the accused was before the court for the Service of the Book of Evidence, which was available to the court.

Garda Andrea Byrne told the court that she had served the Book of Evidence on the accused that morning.

Mr. Meaney said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented that the accused be sent forward for trial to the next available sitting of the Central Criminal Court which is on July 15 next.

Defence Solicitor, Chris Hogan, consented to the application.

Judge Cheatle explained to Mr. Murphy that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented that he be tried by indictment in front of a Judge and Jury at the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Cheatle also administered the alibi warning to the accused, informing him that if he intended to use an alibi as a defence, he must notify the prosecution in writing within 14 days of receiving the Book of Evidence.

Having administered the alibi warning to the accused, Judge Cheatle remanded him in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court on July 15 next.

Mr. Murphy was in court for the hearing but was not required to speak during the short application. He sat to one side of the court listening intently as the applications were made.

He was remanded back in custody to Cork prison to await trial.