OAP CHARGED | 

Senior citizen (68) to face trial over cocaine haul worth more than €13k

Eamon Larkin was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

Today at 10:33

A senior citizen allegedly caught with a substantial amount of cocaine following a search by detectives has been sent forward for trial.

Eamon Larkin (68) was allegedly found with more than €13,000 worth of the drug following the seizure.

Mr Larkin was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, with an address at Jenkinstown, Kilcock, Co Meath, is charged with possession of cocaine, as well as having the drug for the purposes of sale or supply.

The cocaine seizure allegedly took place at N2, The Ward, on June 12, 2023.

Mr Larkin is also charged under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, where the alleged value of the cocaine is greater than €13,000.

A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Larkin the formal alibi caution.

Judge McHugh assigned defence solicitor Terence Hanahoe and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Mr Hanahoe applied to the court for a second, senior counsel, given the seriousness of the charge, and Judge McHugh granted his request.

The judge also ordered that a video copy of an interview that gardaí conducted with the accused be handed over to his legal team.

Mr Larkin has not yet indicated how he intends pleading to the charges.

He was remanded on bail to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a date in February.