Amphetamine possession case in Mayo adjourned for hair follicle test results

A 29-year-old woman appeared before Castlebar Court in relation to the possession of drugs at an apartment in Shrule.

Franka Filipas, of Apartment 6, Main Street, Shrule, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy following a garda search carried out under a court-issued warrant.

Presenting Garda John O’Reilly told the court that during the search, amphetamine was discovered and subsequently sent for forensic analysis.

The Forensic Science Ireland report confirmed the substance as amphetamine with a value of €90.60. The court heard that Filipas has no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Ms. Cathy McDarby said her client is originally from Croatia and has a command of the English language “better than a lot of us.”

She told the court that Filipas had engaged in recreational drug use while in college but had never previously come to the attention of gardaí and had not been involved in any drug-related matters since.

Ms. McDarby said that her client accepted that drug use was not a way to deal with personal difficulties and stressed that she is no longer using drugs of any sort.

She added that Filipas is now a productive member of society and in a relationship.

The defence asked the court to consider dealing with the matter by way of a charitable donation.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she would require proof that Filipas was drug-free before finalising the matter as she is a woman with a young child.

She directed that a hair follicle test be carried out in the new year.

The case was adjourned to February 18 for the results of the hair follicle test and finalisation.

*Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.