Man caught with cannabis claims value of drug 'nowhere near €14k, more like €50'

Stephen Byrne (45) had claimed the value of the drug was "nowhere near €14,000, more like €50".

Judge Cephas Power adjourned the matter to September.

The accused appeared before Swords District Court charged with possession of cannabis, as well as having the drug for sale or supply at his home at Castlegrange Way in Swords on May 9 last year.

The court heard the DPP had directed summary trial in the district court on a guilty plea only.

Defence solicitor John Hennessy previously said he wished for the plant material to be examined, saying it was a "quality issue".

He said the forensic report did not refer to the alleged quality of the cannabis, and it was the defence position the quality was poor and the value of the drug was "absurdly nowhere near €14,000, more like €50".

Mr Hennessy said he had made a proposal to the DPP's office and it was being considered.

Mr Byrne has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.