Judge's warning to mother as she posts €20k bail for drugs accused
Galway District Court was told the High Court had granted bail to Dolapo Shomefum (24) on a conditions including an independent surety of €20,000, €10,000 of which was to be lodged in court.
The accused's mother, who the court was told had been approved as a surety, had €10,000 in court to meet the bail terms.
Garda Krzysztof Kolodziej confirmed to the court that the woman was acceptable as a surety and the source of the money had been verified through six months of bank statements.
Garda Kolodziej said he was also satisfied the remaining €10,000 was in the woman's account.
In court, the accused's mother gave an undertaking not to allow the account drop below €10,000 and said she understood that she stood to lose €20,000 if her son absconded.
Judge Catherine Ryan told the woman that it was her responsibility to inform gardai if her son absconds or leaves the jurisdiction
The woman said she understood and also confirmed she was not currently a surety for anyone else.
Judge Ryan said: "There is a lot of money on the line ... it is a big responsibility."
She remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail to appear again on March 9.
Sergeant Damien Prendergast said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, on how the case is to proceed, were awaited.
In the case, Dolapo Shomefun, with an address at 206 An Seán Bháile, Doughiska, is charged that on dates between January 1, 2020 and February 2, 2026, within the sale and supply of controlled drugs contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Shomefun is also charged with a money-laundering offence, contrary to section 7 of the Money-laundering and Terrorist Financing Act.