Seven charged with money laundering and eighth charged with organised crime offences in Drogheda
Seven people have been remanded on continuing bail and one remanded in custody
Seven people charged with money laundering offences, and an eighth who is also charged with offences linked to organised crime in Drogheda are to face trial by judge and jury in the circuit court.
Seven have been remanded on continuing bail to appear before Drogheda District Court on November 25 while Michaela Fitzpatrick, 32, has been remanded in custody charged with participating/facilitating organised crime, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act on January 24.
Drogheda District Court heard the district court has no jurisdiction to grant bail to Ms Fitzpatrick on the charge of participating/facilitating organised crime.
READ MORE: Businessman pleads guilty over largest ever crystal meth haul
Ms Fitzpatrick, of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda, is also charged with the importation of drugs in excess of €13k, the intent to supply drugs, unlawful possession of drugs in excess of €13k and possession of a mobile phone on January 24.
She is further charged with three counts of money laundering on dates between October 23, 2023 and January 19, 2024 via a PTSB, AIB and Revolut Account. She has been remanded in custody to appear before the court again on Monday, October 21 via video link.
Luke Lawless (30), of Knockbrack Downs in Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with two counts of money laundering between September 9, 2021 and March 31, 2022 via a Revolut Account and PTSB Account. The father-of-four was granted legal aid.
Niamh McManus (38) of The Maudelins, Duleek, Co Meath, is charged with one count of money laundering via a Revolut Account on dates between February 6, 2021 and February 7, 2022. She was also granted legal aid.
Jade Heeney (36) of Hill of Rath, Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with one count of money laundering via a Revolut Account on a date between December 20, 2020 and January 31, 2021. She was also granted legal aid.
Marlena Aleksandrowicz (28) of Bridgefield, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9, is charged with one count of money laundering on a date between July 10, 2020 and February 27, 2021 via a Revolut Account. Legal aid was also granted.
Leah Smith (26) of St Cronans, Swords, Co Dublin, is charged with one count of money laundering on a date between July 7, 2020 and January 23, 2021 via a Revolut Account. She was also granted legal aid.
Amy Rooney (29), of Newtown Meadow’s, Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with one count of money laundering on a date between June 9, 2020 and February 23, 2021 via a Revolut Account.
Judge Stephanie Coggans said she cannot grant legal aid as Ms Rooney did not appear before the court due to an appointment. Annie Smith (28) of The Alders, Awoureen, Drogheda, Co Louth, is charged with one count of money laundering on a date between June 17, 2020 and June 3, 2021 via a Revolut Account. She was also granted legal aid.
In all eight cases, court presenter Sergeant John O’Hehir said the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the circuit court. He also said the DPP has consented to all eight being sent forward to the circuit court for sentencing on a signed guilty plea, should that arise.
However, solicitor Fergal Boyle for five of the accused and barristers for the remaining three accused said signed pleas won’t arise in the cases and said Books of Evidence are required.
Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
