Judge says there’s a drug problem in Limerick

Judge Patricia Harney told the man: ‘There’s a drug problem in Limerick’

Published 24th Jul 2026, 20:00 BST Robert Cleary said in his own defence: ‘It was actually my partner’s father’s house’ Judge Patricia Harney told the man: ‘There’s a drug problem in Limerick’ Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

A MAN caught with a small quantity of drugs has pleaded guilty in Limerick District Court.

Robert Cleary, aged 41, with an address at Saint Patrick's Villas, Castleconnell, opted to represent himself amid the ongoing criminal legal aid strikes.

The judge accepted jurisdiction of the case, and Mr Cleary told her: “I’ll plead guilty today.”

Prosecuting Sergeant Jimmy Dillane told the court that on February 11, 2026, Mr Cleary’s home was searched and €40 worth of drugs were found.

READ MORE: Limerick solicitor tells judge it's 'better that we do not attend court' amid legal aid row

The Sergeant told Judge Patricia Harney that Mr Cleary was co-operative with gardaí.

The court heard that Mr Cleary has six previous convictions - two for possession of controlled drugs for unlawful sale or supply and four for drug possession, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The court heard that Mr Cleary’s most recent conviction was in 2015.

Mr Cleary said in his own defence: “It was actually my partner’s father’s house.”

Judge Harney told the man: “There’s a drug problem in Limerick.” The judge then warned him: “We are in a situation if you continue on this route, you will go to prison.”

Mr Cleary was then sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment, which was suspended for a period of 12 months.