Mother of three wept in court after being refused bail

Mother of three wept in court after being refused bail on foot of Garda objections. She was arrested after drugs allegedly found at her home

A LIMERICK mother of three wept in court as she was refused bail charged with having over half a million euro worth of drugs at her home.

Karen McGarry, (48), Glendale Lawn, Old Singland Road, Limerick, cried out: “Oh no, please, I beg of you” as she was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison to await further directions in her case.

Ms McGarry is facing two charges, arising out of a seizure of €644,000 worth of drugs made by gardai attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, Henry Street Garda Station last Wednesday, October 28.

Ms McGarry is charged with one count of possession of cocaine for sale and supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, as well as one count of simple possession of cocaine, contrary to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Gardai discovered the drugs haul when they searched Ms McGarry’s property under warrant.

She made no reply to the charges, Limerick District Court heard.

The drugs haul was allegedly found by gardai in a shed and under the accused’s bed, it was heard.

Ms McGarry’s solicitor, Cathal Quirke, made an application for bail which was objected to by prosecuting Detective Garda, Colm McHugh.

Garda McHugh told the court that it was his belief that, if granted bail, Ms McGarry would commit further offences and not abide by any bail conditions.

Arguing for bail, Mr Quirke told the court that the accused was from a “respected” family, that she struggles with her health, and that she had to receive medical attention while in custody.

Mr Quirke said the accused had instructed him that she would abide by any bail conditions, and, that a refusal of bail would have “life changing consequences for her and her family”.

Judge Valerie Corcoran said she had to consider the seriousness of the charge and amount of drugs seized by gardai.

The judge noted Ms McGarry was presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

She said she was satisfied to refuse bail and and remanded Ms McGarry in custody to appear in court again on November 3.