Dublin, Ireland — A 26-year-old special needs carer appeared before Dublin District Court on Friday following the seizure of cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding €300,000 at her city centre home earlier this week.
Donna McGaughran, of Iveagh Trust, Bride Street, Dublin 8, was arrested alongside her fiancé on Tuesday after a search operation was carried out by gardaí at the couple’s residence. She has been charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and cocaine, as well as possession of the drugs with intent to sell or supply.
Appearing before Judge Peter White, Garda Majella Boles outlined the prosecution’s objection to bail. The court was told that officers discovered “two large black bags in plain view” at the foot of the accused’s bed, allegedly containing 15 packages of cannabis with a combined value of €300,000. A further €2,240 worth of cocaine was recovered from a handbag in a wardrobe and from other areas of the bedroom. Gardaí also seized €6,010 in cash.
Garda Boles noted that the accused made no reply when the charges were put to her. CCTV footage reportedly supports the allegations, and Gardaí contend the accused was "caught red-handed." Concerns were also raised regarding foreign travel plans, with the accused allegedly due to travel to London. However, defence counsel Kevin McCrave clarified that the trip was intended as a holiday.
Under cross-examination, Garda Boles confirmed that Ms McGaughran has no prior criminal history. Counsel further stated that the accused has longstanding ties to the area, a stable address, and a permanent occupation. He argued that her level of culpability would ultimately be a matter for trial and highlighted that her co-accused, her partner, had already been granted bail under similar charges.
Citing his client’s history of anxiety, Mr. McCrave urged the court to consider the disproportionate impact that a prolonged period of pre-trial detention could have on her mental health.
Judge White agreed to grant bail on the same terms applied to the co-accused. Bail was set in Ms McGaughran’s own bond of €1,000, supported by an independent surety of €5,000. As conditions of her release, she must surrender her passport and report daily to her local garda station.
Legal aid was granted and the case has been adjourned until April 24.
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