A 65-year-old Monaghan man now living in Northern Ireland has had sentencing deferred in relation to having clenbuterol — in his possession at a premises outside Ballybay almost five years ago.

James (Jim) Mills, with an address at Legacurry, Ballybay, Co Monaghan, and whose lawyers told the court he is now living at Avenue Road, Lurgan, Co Armagh, had previously pleaded guilty to having possession of the banned substance at his Legacurry premises on 21 July 2011. Mr Mills had also admitted being in possession of unauthorised equipment relating to diesel laundering at the same location on that date.

Paul Greene SC reminded the court that a probation and welfare report had been ordered on his client, but noted that the probation service in Northern Ireland had been unable to complete an assessment of him due to a mix up in his address. In those circumstances, counsel was asking the court to adjourn the matter to the next sittings to allow Mr Mills liaise with the service. His client was an elderly man with significant health issues, Mr Greene told Judge John O’Hagan.

It was pointed out by Frank Martin BL, prosecuting, that the State had witnesses from the Department of Agriculture, Revenue and Monaghan County Council present to give evidence.

Mr Greene countered that the court would be aware of the importance of ensuring that the defence should have all relevant material available to it. While this was inconvenient to the witnesses present, it would have been of much greater inconvenience if the charges had been contested, he said.

Judge O’Hagan adjourned the matter to the October sittings, stipulating that this was being done on a peremptory basis against Mr Mills.

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