A young man who threw a package containing drugs over a wall after running from the Gardaí recently appeared in court.
Jamie Merriman (22) of 5 Asgard Grove, Grange Manor, Waterford, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at a sitting of Waterford District Court at the end of last month. He pleaded guilty to charges including possession of a controlled drug (namely cannabis) for personal use and for unlawful sale and/or supply, contrary to Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. This related to an incident that occurred earlier this year.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on 8 February 2026, Gardaí observed the accused engaging in what looked to be a ‘suspicious’ transaction at an area in Waterford city. The accused ran from the scene after seeing Gardaí, and following a foot pursuit, he was seen throwing a package over a wall.
After he was searched, Gardaí found six individual wraps of cannabis with a total value of €600 in his possession. A separate amount of cannabis was discovered at his home address after a follow-up search was completed, Sgt Phelan said.
It was noted in court that the accused has no previous convictions, but he received the benefit of a court poor box donation for a drug related matter in 2024.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham outlined that his client has come to no further adverse Garda attention since this incident in February. Mr Cunningham also highlighted the fact that the accused pleaded guilty at an early stage, as jurisdiction in the case had only been accepted earlier in the court sitting.
The solicitor added that his client is doing “exceptionally well” by working full-time, and took a “mature approach” to the case.
Judge Cheatle acknowledged that the accused has previously received the benefit of a court poor box donation. However, the judge decided to put the matter back for a year to give the accused a chance to come to no further Garda attention.
Judge Cheatle adjourned the matter until 16 February 2027.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
