Case of teenager caught with cannabis transferd from Childrens Court to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
A youth, who could face a minimum 10-year sentence for drugs offences, was sent forward for trial today for possessing more than €26,000 worth of cannabis.
The 17-year-old had been arrested on June 21, 2008, over the alleged seizure in Poppintree, in Ballymun, in Dublin.
He was later charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with simple possession of the drug, possession with 
intent to supply as well as an additional charge under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing drugs worth more than €13,000.
It was held that the case was too serious to be kept in the city’s juvenile court and that it should be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court which on conviction could impose a 10-year sentence.
The teenager, who was accompanied to his case by an aunt, was served with the book of evidence today at the Children’s Court. Judge Bryan Smyth then made an order transferring the case to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trial.
Defence solicitor Gareth Noble requested legal aid for a senior counsel to represent the teenager given the seriousness of the charge.
He said it was alleged the teenager, who is on bail, had more than €26,000 worth of drugs and that his client could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
Judge Smyth granted legal aid but held that the issue as to whether senior counsel would be assigned could be dealt with when the case goes before the Circuit Court.
Source: http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/youth-awaits-trial-on-26k-drugs-charge-440819.html