Judge: fate of Offaly man on drugs charges hinges on probation report

A MAN with previous convictions for drugs offences was warned that he could be imprisoned after he pleaded guilty at Tullamore District Court to a further drug crime.

Josh Rigney (23), Church View, Tullamore was in possession of €4,056 worth of drugs, Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody.

Sergeant Thornton said Mr Rigney had previously been convicted of possessing drugs and possessing drugs for sale or supply to others and had been fined €750.

Patrick Martin, defending solicitor, said while his client had other matters due to come before the court, he was otherwise “doing quite well” and had been under the supervision of the probation service and a report could be provided.

Judge Cody responded: “It'll take some probation report to save him from the Midlands Prison.”

He noted that Mr Rigney was being convicted of having €4,000 worth of drugs six months after he received a previous conviction.

The court was told the man had been deemed suitable for a period of probation earlier this year when a report was prepared by the probation service.

Judge Cody remanded Mr Rigney on continuing bail to October 19 next for sentencing. He granted legal aid.

He had been charged with having drugs at his own address on February 4, 2026. Cannabis worth €3,601 and cocaine worth €454 was found.

Other charges alleged public order offences at O'Connor Square, Tullamore on December 21 last and drug possession and obstructing a garda at Market Square in the town on December 26 last.

The accused has also been summonsed for alleged drug possession at William Street, Tullamore on July 19 last.

Last year when he pleaded guilty to drugs possession he had been fined and ordered to donate €2,000 to Accessible Counselling in Tullamore.

A sitting of Tullamore District Court in February, 2025 heard that €690 worth of cannabis and €2,690 in cash was discovered when searching a shed and Mr Rigney admitted illegal possession of drugs at 28 Church View, Tullamore.

At that time Mr Martin said his client had difficulties with drugs in the past but he was trying to get on top of the issue.

“The cash in the shed came from the collection of bonus social welfare payments over a long period of time,” said the solicitor.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)