A man has appeared in court on drugs charges relating to last weekend's Waterford house party which has left two men seriously ill in hospital.
Anthony Connolly (25), Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, Waterford, was charged with the unlawful possession of cocaine and amphetamines and with possessing the narcotics for sale or supply.
Garda Michael Bourke told Waterford District Court that he had arrested Mr Connolly at Tramore Garda station yesterday and charged him with four offences in relation to events at 215 Ballybeg Square, Waterford - the house where the party had taken place last Sunday.
Garda Bourke said that in response to the charges, Mr Connolly had replied the "cocaine is mine; the speed is not".
Mr Connolly also told Garda Bourke: "I had a little bit of speed in my hand at the house," adding that in relation to the amphetamine: "I did have it but it wasn't mine, you know what I mean?"
Judge William Harnett asked Mr Connolly if he "was not working", to which he replied, "On disability, your honour."
Solicitor Pat Newell requested free legal aid for Mr Connolly which was granted. His application for bail was opposed by Insp Tom Duggan who asked that Mr Connolly be remanded in custody because of the "serious nature of the charges" and a concern that "he would not turn up in court".
The court was told that Mr Connolly had already been subject of three bench warrants.
Mr Newell accepted that the court would be familiar with Mr Connolly "since his juvenile days", but that his failure to turn up for previous court appearances was due to his "failure to remember dates". He said Mr Connolly was "troubled in the area of literacy", lived with his mother and was not a flight risk.
The judge remanded Mr Connolly in custody but agreed to bail subject to an independent surety of €4,000 and Mr Connolly's own bond of €400.
Judge Harnett also asked that Mr Connolly surrender his passport and sign on three times a week at Waterford Garda station. He ordered Mr Connolly to appear again at Kilkenny District Court on December 4th.
