A man who was observed “acting suspiciously” in Fairview Park yesterday has been charged with possession of suspected cannabis contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1997.
Ahmed Chelghoun (34) who gave an address at Belvedere Place, Dublin, appeared before Dublin District Court this afternoon, where Garda Sean White told the court that the accused is the subject of a deportation order.
Chenghoum, who is from Algeria, is also charged with having “four deal bags” of cannabis in his possession for sale and supply contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1997.
During the course of the hearing, the accused said, “I did not strike or attack Gardaí” and that he had only tried to run away.
He was also found to have €300 on his person which Gardaí believe is the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Garda White told the court that the notice of deportation from the Department of Justice gave the accused “five days” to present himself for deportation, a period which has elapsed, he said.
He has “no status in the State” and has “no permission to remain”, the court heard.
Garda White told the court that when the accused was taken into custody he “continuously tried to mislead” officers by giving a series of false names when held at Clontarf station.
He also gave two different addresses, one in Phibsboro, and one at a hostel in Belvedere Place.
Chenghoum was “deported” from the UK and came to the Republic of Ireland via Northern Ireland, the court heard.
Seeking bail in respect of Chenghoum, his counsel Mr. O’Rourke said that his client has no previous convictions in Ireland and has no bench warrant history.
Garda White agreed that the accused was not “on our system”, but objected to bail saying that Chenghoum is a “flight risk” given his attempts to ‘mislead’ Gardaí as to his identity, which White said had “used up a lot of Garda time and resources,”.
Mr. O’Rourke said his client has been in the state for one year, however Garda White said he was not satisfied that this was accurate.
Entering the witness stand, the accused took his oath on the Koran before a short period of questioning by Mr. O’Rourke as to whether he would come to court to answer the charges he is facing, should he be bailed.
When Mr. O’Rourke asked the accused if he had a passport, he replied “My phone picture.”
To the question, “Will you stay in the Republic of Ireland until your case is dealt with?, the accused answered, “Refugee council.”
Judge Patricia Cronin granted bail in respect of the accused on condition that he make a cash lodgement of €200, provide a satisfactory address, and that he sign on daily at Store Street Garda station.
He is to appear before the courts again on the 25th of September to indicate a plea in respect of the charges.
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