Cardinal Health employees outside the plant last August as details emerged that it planned to cease operations in Tullamore
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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Man appeared at Tullamore District Court
“JAILHOUSE Rock comes to mind,” remarked Judge Andrew Cody when he warned a man named Elvis Brinkley that he should get legal advice because he could face a prison sentence.
Mr Brinkley, aged 45 and with an address at Oakview, Clara appeared at Tullamore District Court accused of possessing cannabis at 7 Oakview, Clara on September 9 last year.
The accused man was unrepresented when he came before the court and entered a plea of guilty when his summons was called.
Sergeant Brendan Kearns said a search resulted in €100 of cannabis being found and Mr Brinkley said it was for his personal use.
Sergeant Kearns added that there was no evidence of the drug being possessed for sale or supply.
He said Mr Brinkley had 20 previous convictions for a number of different offences including interference with the mechanism of a vehicle and theft and had received suspended sentences.
Judge Cody told the accused that this latest conviction could trigger five months in prison and he asked the man if he wished to get legal advice.
“I don't think you realise the trouble you're in,” said the judge. Pointing to the custody area in the courtroom he added: “You'll be in there.”
“I'll get legal advice,” replied Mr Brinkley.
Judge Cody asked Marc Bairead, solicitor, to take instructions from Mr Brinkley and when the case was called again the accused's legal representative said the theft conviction related to a box of washing powder.
Mr Bairead said his client was a carer for his 17-year-old daughter who was visually impaired and he had been struggling with drug addiction himself.
Formerly addicted to heroin he was now on methadone and was engaging with the Community Alcohol and Drugs Service and was “doing his level best to stay on the straight and narrow”.
He did not want to waste the court's time and had €200 as a contribution towards the court poor box.
The solicitor said it would be harsh to revoke the suspension of the previous sentences because one of them was for theft, not drugs, and most of his convictions were historical.
Judge Cody adjourned sentencing to May 14 next for a probation report and for clear urine tests in the months of February, March and April.
The judge also said Mr Brinkley's suitability for community service will be assessed.
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