Clare woman in dock for drugs and money laundering offences

AN Ennis woman accused of drugs and money laundering offences is to have her case heard in the circuit criminal court, writes Ronan Judge.

Heather McNamara (38), with an address at 10 Childers Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis is accused of processing €5445 cash and a Rolex watch worth €17,500, alleged to be the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Her case came before Ennis District Court and Ms McNamara was not present for the brief hearing.

Her solicitor, Colum Doherty, told the court his client could not attend as she is caring for a baby.

Sgt Louis Moloney told the court that the director of public prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case against Ms McNamara is proceeding on indictment to the circuit criminal court.

Judge Mary Larkin granted legal aid following an application from Mr Doherty.

Judge Larkin remanded Ms McNamara on bail to appear again in court on December 15 for service of the book of evidence.

In total, Ms McNamara is charged with two offences contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act and two offences contrary to the section 7 of Criminal Justice (money laundering and terrorist financing) Act 2010.

She is accused of possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purposes of sale or supply.

She is also charged with processing property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct – €5445 cash – while knowing that is the proceeds of criminal conduct.

A further charge alleges Ms McNamara processed property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct – a Rolex watch valued at €17,500 – while knowing that said property is the proceeds of criminal conduct.

All charges related to alleged offences at 10 Childers Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on December 19, 2019.