Joshua Allen sent forward for sentence over drugs possession at Ballymaloe

The teenage son of celebrity chef, Rachel Allen has been sent forward for sentence after he entered a signed plea of guilty to a total of six drug offences following the seizure by gardai last year of €30,000 worth of cannabis and a small quantity of cocaine at the Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Joshua Allen (19) was charged at Midleton District Court on Tuesday morning with possession and possession for sale or supply of cannabis at his home at Ballinamona, Shanagarry on September 5th 2018, contrary to Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr Allen, who came to court on his own, unaccompanied by family members, was also charged with possession and possession for sale of supply of cannabis at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry on August 30th 2018, again contrary to Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He was also charged with possessing over €13,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply at Ballymaloe Cookery School on the same date contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act and with possession of cocaine at the same location and date contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Insp Sean McCarthy, formerly of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Allen made no reply to any of the six charges when they were put to him after caution this morning.

Insp Tony O’Sullivan said the DPP had consented to the case being sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea of guilty if such was forthcoming and Mr Allen’s solicitor, Don Ryan confirmed that his client was willing to be sent forward on a signed plea of guilty to all six charges.

Inspector McCarthy said gardai had no objection to Mr Allen being remanded on bail once a number of conditions were met regarding signing on conditions and surrender of his passport and Mr Ryan said his client was agreeable to the conditions being sought by the gardaí.

Judge Brian Sheridan remanded Mr Allen on bail on his own bond of €500 on a number of conditions including that he sign on every Tuesday, Wedneday and Thursday at Midleton Garda Station between 7am and 10pm.

He also made it a condition of Mr Allen’s bail that he continue to reside at his home address at Ballinamona, Shanagarry and that he surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for any new travel documents as he returned him for sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on May 8th.