Wexford District Court round-up: Woman charged with cultivation of cannabis among cases heard
Wexford PeopleA number of defendants appeared before Wexford District Court in September charged with various offences, including theft of alcohol, cultivation of cannabis plants, speeding and driving without insurance.
A Wexford woman was given a suspended sentence in relation to the cultivation of 29 cannabis plants.
The court heard that on August 5 2022 a search was executed at 31 Ardamine Court, Courtown, Wexford, the home of Martina Vuletic (44). Garda Tracey gave evidence that 29 cannabis plants to the value of approximately €24,500 were discovered at the home, where Vuletic made full admissions. There was also amphetamine to the value of €80 and loose cannabis herb to the value of €1,080 discovered at the house. Gardaí confirmed that the plants had not yet reached full maturity but had began budding.
Lana Doherty, solicitor for the accused, informed the court that Vuletic had not set up the tents where the cannabis was growing but made admissions and accepted full responsibility in relation to the offence. The defendant had been in custody since July 18 and was anxious to be released so that she could spend time with her teenage daughter.
Judge John Cheatle noted Vuletic has no previous drug convictions imposed a 12-month suspended sentence in circumstances where the plants were in early stages of growth.
Probation supervision for various offences:
A New Ross man pleaded guilty to offences of theft, public order, and possession of drugs from various dates when he appeared before Wexford District Court.
The court heard that on May 15 of this year, Michal Bancewicz (36) of 6 Church Lane, New Ross, Wexford, stole three bottles of wine to the value of €24 from SuperValu, New Ross. On the same day Bancewicz was observed outside a residence in New Ross shouting at people passing by. When Gardaí arrived at the scene there was a strong smell of alcohol and the defendant acted aggressively to Gardaí. The court also heard that Bancewicz was searched previously on April 13 when €5 worth of cannabis was discovered on his person.
Eileen O’Neill, solicitor for the accused, stated Bancewicz lost his job at the time of the incident in May and had become homeless, as a result of which he turned to alcohol. Ms. O’Neill informed the court that her client was injured in a house fire recently where tragically two of his friends lost their lives. Since this incident Bancewicz has a new outlook on life and no longer drinks.
Judge John Cheatle imposed a 12-month probation supervision bond to ensure no further offences are committed by the defendant.
Probation supervision for theft offences:
A Wicklow man plead guilty to theft offences carried out in Wexford last month.
Craig O’Brien (22) of 58 Meadowvale, Arklow, Wicklow, was before the court in relation to a charge of theft at SuperValu, Rosslare Harbour, Wexford, on August 11 where he left the store without paying for a bottle of vodka to the value of €22. On the same date O’Brien had also taken two bottles of Bushmills whiskey, and on August 13 items were stolen from Deals, Main Street, Wexford, to the value of €7. The court heard O’Brien has 17 previous convictions.
Lana Doherty, solicitor for the accused, informed the court that O’Brien is a young man who is now a father to a six-week-old baby who was born while the accused was in custody. O’Brien had been engaging with the probation services in relation to previous public order offences and was endeavouring to start rehabilitation treatment with Tiglin. Ms. Doherty informed the court that the defendant had been in Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil and had slipped up.
Judge John Cheatle imposed a 12-month probation supervision bond.
A young man pleaded guilty to careless driving when he appeared before Wexford District Court. Ivan Ananiev (18), address given in court as The Shannon Hotel, Enniscorthy, was observed overtaking at speed on the N25 New Ross bypass on August 17. Garda Breheny gave evidence to the court that the vehicle was detected driving at 163kmh when the posted speed limit is 100kmh. Ananiev’s vehicle was subsequently seized and an application was before the court to have the car returned which was granted. Judge John Cheatle imposed a fine of €200 with six months to pay in relation to the careless driving charge.
Finn O’Donohoe (22) of The Burrow, Rosslare Strand, Wexford, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without insurance. Garda Burke gave evidence that on February 12 2025 at Rosslare he received an ANPR alert of a vehicle driving without insurance. O’Donohoe informed the court that the car is now off the road. Judge Cheatle fined the accused €250 with six months to pay.
A woman was before the court on a charge of no insurance. Garda Burke gave evidence to the court that on February 12 2025 at Clonard Little, Wexford, he received an ANPR alert for a vehicle driving without insurance or tax. Once stopped, the driver gave her details as Kelly Sinnott (34) of 53 Mclure Meadows, Wexford. Sinnott was fined €350 with six months to pay.
James O’Connor (39) of Kilbride, The Ballagh, Wexford, was convicted and fined €150 with four months to pay in relation to an offence of driving without a licence which occurred on March 12 2025 st the R741 Ferrycarrig, Wexford.
Borin Stana (50) of 12 Ard na Greine, New Ross, Wexford was before the court in relation to an offence of driving without insurance which occurred on April 8 2025 at Bridgestreet, New Ross. Garda Burke gave evidence that on the day in question he received an ANPR alert for no insurance. When Garda Burke stopped the vehicle driven by Stana an insurance certificate was produced. However once the insurance company was contacted they confirmed the policy was no longer valid. Judge Cheatle fine the accused €300 with five months to pay.
A Wexford woman was before the court on a charge of no insurance. Garda Brennan gave evidence to the court that on April 20 2025 he observed a vehicle swerve to avoid Gardaí at The Cove, Rosslare Strand. Once stopped, the driver gave her details as Emma Murphy (30) of 29 Ard Uisce, Wexford. Murphy made admissions to having no insurance and her vehicle was seized. The accused has one previous conviction for driving uninsured and in those circumstances Judge Cheatle fined the accused €400 with six months to pay and imposed a one-year driving disqualification.
Craig Morrissey (27) of 14 Bishops Field, Ballygunner Road, Waterford, was convicted and fined €150 with four months to pay in relation to an offence of driving unaccompanied as a learner driver on February 2 2025 at Millroad, Townparks, Wexford.
Derek Webb (52) of Sprint Design Inc, Gorey, pleaded guilty to a speeding offence. Garda Breheny gave evidence that on February 3 2025 on the N11 at Ferrycarrig, Webb was driving at a speed of 89kmh when the posted speed limit is 60kmh. Judge Cheatle imposed a fine of €150 with three months to pay.