US mother and son remanded in custody over €1m cannabis seizure
Hellasha Tingman, 48, and her 30-year-old son Shawndell Gaston, of the Bronx, New York in the United States, were each charged with unlawful possession and importation of cannabis, and having it for sale or supply.
They appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court facing bail objections.
Garda Sinead Deevy gave evidence of the arrest of Ms Tingman at customs in Terminal 2 under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court heard the woman gave no reply when charged with possessing 26.2kg of cannabis in two suitcases, with an approximate value of €524,000.
Questioned by defence barrister Paddy Flynn, instructed by solicitor Tracy Horan, the garda agreed the overall seizure involved 49kg of cannabis.
She agreed with the barrister that the woman had an address in the Bronx and had been on an inbound flight from New York's John F Kennedy International Airport.
Mr Flynn said his client earns $177 (€151) a week and pays $790 (€674) in rent.
Judge Kelly held she was entitled to legal aid and noted Ms Tingman was making a bail application at this stage.
She remanded her in custody to appear again.
Garda Thomas Bourke said Mr Gaston made no reply when charged with the same category of offences in connection with the rest of the seizure.
His solicitor, Paddy McGarry, said his client was not applying for bail at this stage.
Judge Kelly allowed Mr Gatson legal aid.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
30 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Woman charged with dangerous driving causing death of school teacher
A 32-year old west Clare woman has appeared in court charged in connection with the dangerous driving causing death of 'inspirational' school teacher, Michael Lorigan (70). At Ennis District Court, Saoire Lillis McMahon of Moveen, Kilkee is charged with the dangerous driving causing death of cyclist, Michael Lorigan on August 16, 2023 on the N67 Baunmore, Kilkee contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. The fatal road traffic incident occurred at around 12.30pm on the day. Ms Lillis McMahon is also charged with driving her 02-CE registered vehicle at the same location on the same date while being under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. In court, Garda Ken Butler told Judge Alec Gabbett that there is also a summons concerning a defective vehicle relating to the same incident under Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act and he said that is due to be put before the court on September 9 next. Judge Gabbett told solicitor, John Casey for Ms Lillis McMahon that 'the driving has to stop here. I am more concerned about the tiomáint'. Mr Casey said that Ms Lillis McMahon has stopped driving and there is a possibility of his client going forward to Ennis Circuit Court on a signed plea. Mr Casey said that he has spoken to counsel on the matter. Sgt Frank O'Grady told the court that the only charge going forward to the circuit court is the dangerous driving causing death case. Judge Gabbett said that he presumed that the new driving under the influence of an intoxicant charge would be added to the indictment. Solicitor, Daragh Hassett told the court that he holds a watching brief for the Lorigan family in the case. Originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co Clare and living in Kilkishen in east Clare at the time of his death, Mr Lorigan taught for a number of decades at the Model School in Limerick city. Mr Lorigan taught there from the mid-seventies until his retirement and was remembered as an inspirational, kind, patient, dedicated and wonderful teacher in the many tributes from former students at the time of his death in August 2023. In later years, Mr Lorigan became a keen cyclist, and took part in the Clare 250 mile cycle many times. Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 9 next.
Sunday World
4 hours ago
- Sunday World
Dublin dad brandished imitation shotgun after getting ‘dragged into' feud
Meehal Hannigan (27) was holding the gun 'like a stick' A Dublin father of three who brandished a 'realistic' shotgun before smashing a car window with a brush had got 'dragged into' a feud between neighbours, a court heard. Meehal Hannigan (27) was holding the gun 'like a stick' before he damaged the car amid a dispute involving his partner's family. He later made threats during violence on the street as part of the same feud. At Blanchardstown District Court, Judge David McHugh told him he can avoid prison if he is found suitable for 40 hours of community service. Hannigan, with an address at Snowdrop Walk, Darndale pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a car at Greenfort Park, Clondalkin, on September 27 last year. He also admitted violent disorder by using or threatening to use violence in public with three or more people in another incident at Greenfort Park two days later. Detective Garda Neil McGrath told the court that before the first incident, Hannigan's partner's brother's car had been damaged. Hannigan and another man were then seen approaching a house where the accused damaged the window of a Volkswagen Passat using a brush he picked up in the driveway. He was seen making numerous threats and gestures He was brandishing a plastic pellet shotgun, which was a realistic imitation, but he was holding it 'like a stick'. The owner of the car was unco-operative with the garda investigation and there was no estimate for the damage. Gardaí were called to the same location on September 29 in response to a report that a firearm had been discharged, allegedly targeting Hannigan's partner's family. Gardaí saw a large dispute between a number of people. Hannigan was seen 'making numerous threats and gestures' to people. He was 'slightly peripheral to the feud', his barrister Ciaran MacLoughlin said, and Det Gda McGrath agreed the accused 'got dragged into it'. Blanchardstown District Court Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 8th He apologised for getting involved and there was 'an element of pressure' to it, Mr MacLoughlin said. The feud had since subsided as one of the families had moved from the area and there was no longer any contact. Hannigan worked in a builder's provider and was studying to be a personal trainer. Judge Hughes adjourned the case for the production of a community service assessment. If Hannigan is found suitable, the judge recommended two blocks of 40 hours' community work in lieu of a prison sentence. The accused was remanded on continuing bail to a date in October.
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Revenue seize over €39,000 worth of cigarettes in Sligo with assistance of detector dog Toby
Included in the tobacco products seized is 27,320 cigarettes and 2.5kg of tobacco which was seized on July 3 in Sligo, with the assistance of detector dog Toby. The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence led operations, and included the following: 8.1kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of over €162,600, cannabis resin with an estimated value of €4,250, various illicit tablets with an estimated value of over €4,160, various other illicit drugs with an estimated value of over €5,300, over 100 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of over €3,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €1,150, tobacco products, with an estimated value of over €39,000, and represents a potential loss to the exchequer of over €31,000 and 283 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €83, was also a cash seizure of €4,500. Revenue officers were granted detention orders on Wednesday July 2 in Rosslare Europort in respect of the cash seized by Judge Cheatle in Gorey District Court. The herbal cannabis was discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Enzo and Ciara, whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. The parcels originated from the USA, France, and Spain, and were destined for various addresses nationwide. The other cigarettes and alcohol products were seized in various operations in the Midlands and Rosslare. Six weapons were also seized. The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights. Investigations into all seizures are ongoing. These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
