'Anybody who goes to a garda station with drugs - I don’t know who the joke is on' - Limerick judge

A YOUNG man who is already serving a prison sentence on another matter was caught with drugs in his pocket outside a garda station. 

Kevin Burke of Derrynane, Old Cork Road, Limerick city, is currently serving a three-year custodial sentence for a Section 3 assault offence. 

He appeared before Kilmallock District Court in relation to an incident on June 11, 2021, when he was 16-years-old. 

On that date, gardaí from Henry Street garda station observed Mr Burke standing at the front door of the garda station waiting for someone with a cigarette in his hand. 

Gardaí suspected that he had drugs in his possession and €75 worth of cannabis was found in his pocket. 

From the dock, Mr Burke declared that the court proceeding “is a joke.” He also declared that he was 16 at the time and is 19-years-old now. 

Judge Patricia Harney replied that “anybody who goes to a garda station with illicit drugs - I don’t know who the joke is on.”

READ MORE: 'Cowardly' attack after being called a name: Victim kicked in the head at Limerick pub

The court heard that Mr Burke has 19 previous convictions, with the most recent being from June 2024. 

His previous convictions include possession of knives and other articles, drugs for sale or supply, assault charge, theft, violent disorder, dangerous driving. 

Representing Mr Burke, solicitor Pauric Nesbitt told the court that his client was a recreational drug user who “had his own difficulties at the time and was self-medicating.” Judge  Harney imposed a fine of €200 payable forthwith with two days in default.