Cocaine found in man’s underwear during search in Carlow town
Courts, including District, Circuit, High Court and Central will reconvene next week
A MAN who appeared via video link at Carlow District Court received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to drugs possession, three theft offences, possession of a knife and a road traffic offence. Mark McCormack of Sycamore Rd, Rathnapish, Carlow, who was represented by solicitor Joe Farrell, entered guilty pleas to all matters before the court.
The court heard evidence that on 19 December 2025, Garda Phelan received a call about a male parked in a car at Willow Park, Carlow town. At 6.35am, the garda observed the defendant sitting in a Toyota Avensis with the door open, holding a large sum of cash. The car was searched and a number of items that did not belong to him, including a 10cm Philips screwdriver, were found. The 37-year-old Mr McCormack was arrested at the scene.
In a separate incident on 6 July 2025 at 10.40pm, Garda Moulton was on patrol on Tullow Street, Carlow town and observed the defendant acting suspiciously. He searched Mr McCormack under section 23 of the and found €125 worth of cocaine concealed in his underwear.
After being cautioned, the defendant made a full admission. A subsequent drug analysis tested positive for cocaine.
The court heard that Mr McCormack had 57 previous convictions, the last of which was from Naas District Court in 2025 for a section 4 theft offence committed in 2024. He had six previous offences for drugs possession and four for getting into a vehicle without consent of the owner.
Mr Farrell told the court that his client had been in custody since December 2025 and that he had previously served an 11-month sentence, from which he was released in August 2024.
“He came out and went into (addiction) treatment in Athy, a four-month programme,” said Mr Farrell in mitigation, adding that Mr McCormack had been working in a local quarry for several months around that time.
“He knew he was having a relapse,” said Mr Farrell, explaining that his client had engaged with counselling the week before Christmas.
“He has offered a plea today of value. I am aware he is in custody, which may have coloured matters, but he has had a very, very troubled history with tablets and other substances,” the solicitor added.
Mr Farrell mentioned that Mr McCormack “would have work available to him if he was to come out” and suggested a probation report. He added that while his client has had “very anti-social engagement”, he also had “very pro-social engagement”.
“He is either working and knuckling down or there are these incidents. He is very keen to come out of custody,” added the solicitor.
Judge Geraldine Carthy noted the plea of guilty, but also noted the aggravating factor of previous offences, adding that the latest offences “look and appear to be a triggering offence”.
“I’m not satisfied that community service is appropriate for this matter,” she said.
Mr McCormack was given a suspended prison sentence of ten months with bail granted.
