Judge rejects request by Cork drug dealer accused to appear in court in person

A 31-year-old man accused of dealing crack cocaine at Sidney Hill in Cork was remanded in custody on Friday, but said he wanted to be brought to court in person because he did not like appearing by video link.

Kevin Lawlor, of Mount St Joseph’s Close, Bakers Road, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court by video link from Cork Prison but told the judge he did not want to appear in court in that manner the next time.

“I would like to be in court in person,” Mr Lawlor said. 

Judge David Waters said the man would have to give a particular reason why he wanted to be brought to court in person.

The defendant replied: “Because I don’t like video link.” 

Judge Waters said: “That is not a good enough reason.” 

Judge Waters then remanded him in custody until October 14 and said the next court appearance would be by video link again.

Mr Lawlor, of Mount St Joseph’s Close, Bakers Road, Cork, was arrested by Garda Thomas O’Connell arising out of the alleged offence on Tuesday morning, September 22.

He was charged with being in possession of crack cocaine at Sidney Hill and having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply or others.

He faces a third charge of obstructing a drugs search by throwing crack cocaine onto an embankment at Sidney Hill when they requested him to stop.

Objecting to the accused man’s application to be released, Garda O’Connell said: “I don’t think bail is appropriate, and that he will continue to deal drugs."