Laois resident opted to serve three days in prison - Courts - Laois Nationalist

“He can’t pay the fine. He’ll take the three days.”

A SOLICITOR for a man who is currently serving a prison sentence said that her client would be unable to pay a €500 fine, so instead opted to serve three days in prison.

The issue came about when Kamil Kruk (33), French Church Street, Portarlington was fined €500 after admitting to possessing €10 worth of Ketamine for his own use when gardaí stopped and searched him on 11 April last year on Main Street, Portarlington.

Defence solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client “has a long history that is well-known to the court.” She said Mr Kruk is currently serving a prison sentence with a release date in December.

Ms Fitzpatrick said that her client, who is now drug free, “has struggled with issues and is hoping that on his released to be able to re-engage with society. He is on a methadone programme at the moment and this is levelling out in prison.” Judge Catherine Ryan convicted Mr Kamil of the offence, fined him €500 or three days in lieu of payment.

Ms Fitzpatrick said: “He can’t pay the fine. He’ll take the three days.”