Two men appear at tullamore district court

Bail has been granted to two men who are accused of cultivating cannabis plants in Killeigh.

Andrzej Madzio(26) and Sebastian Kubiak(30) both with an address at Johnstown Way, Enfield, Co Meath appeared before a special sitting of Tullamore District Court this morning.

Each of the men faces a charge of cultivating cannabis at Graigue, Killeigh, Co Offaly on April 9. Sgt Caroline Lyng told the court that the drugs were worth an estimated €178,000. 

Garda Inspector Kieran Keyes consented to bail on a number of conditions. He asked that all travel documents be surrendered and that the defendants sign on at Enfield Garda Station on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 9am and 5pm. Inspector Keyes also asked that Gardai be informed of any change of address. 

Solictor Donal Farrelly told the court Mr Madzio was a Polish national who worked as a cleaner earning around €100 per week. His client, having saved all year, had booked a ticket to Poland for his best friend's wedding on April 25 and Mr Farrelly asked that, 'he might be allowed to travel and come back.' 

Inspector Keyes said that while he empathised with the defendant, he strenuously objected to the proposal. 

Noting the serious nature of the charge, Judge Catherine Staines said 'I am not going to allow him to travel back to Poland. He has lost that privilege.'

The court heard Mr Kubiak, who is also a Polish national, had sporadic work and carried out odd jobs but wasn't in receipt of social welfare. 

Judge Staines granted both men legal aid and remanded them on bail on their own bond of €100 subject to the conditions set out by Inspector Keyes. The men are due to appear before a sitting of Tullamore District Court on May 13 for DPP's directions.