THE trial of a man charged having cannabis worth 300,000 was adjourned yesterday after the court heard that two Garda witnesses were not in court. Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court head that one witness, Garda Lorraine Hogan, was on holidays in Portugal.
Mr Vincent Donegan, of Bawntaaffe, Monasterboice, Co Louth, is charged with possession of the drug and possession with intent to supply at Bawntaaffe on May 28th, 1995. The accused is the son of the former minister for defence, Mr Patrick Donegan.
Defence counsel Mr Michael O'Higgins BL, said the trial had caused his client enormous strain and he wished the matter to proceed. The unavailability of witnesses did not arise 10 minutes before the court sat yesterday morning, he said.
Mr Turlough O'Donnell BL, for the State, said the prosecution was willing to proceed on the basis of the statements of the gardai involved. Garda Hogan's evidence was technical and did not go to the substance of the case, while the other witness, Garda Michael Kavanagh, was unavailable because his wife was ill.
Judge Smith said the garda's wife being ill did not justify him not being available. He said the situation was unsatisfactory and he adjourned the trial to Monday next.