Cork man tells court cash was from sale of electric bike, not drugs

Accused told court his parents had bought him an electric bicycle valued at €2,000 and he had sold the bike, which was how the money came into his possession. File picture
A Cork man who hid more than €1,600 in cash under a wheelie-bin when he was approached by gardaí has told Clonakilty District Court the money was the proceeds of selling an electric bike and not from the alleged sale of drugs.
Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told the court gardaí were seeking an order for the disposal of the confiscated money under the 1897 Police Property Act.
The court was told Anthony Coone, of Maulrour West, Clonakilty, was spotted by a Garda patrol car on Kent Street in Clonakilty on April 19, 2024.
The court heard Mr Coone was seen putting something under a wheelie-bin, which turned out to be €1,640 in cash.
It was alleged there was also a smell of cannabis.
Mr Coone said he could not explain his actions on the day other than he was “young and stupid”.
Mr Coone said his parents had bought him an electric bicycle valued at €2,000 and he had sold the bike, which was how the money came into his possession.
Judge Treasa Kelly said Mr Coone would have to provide evidence in the form of a receipt and adjourned the case until July 1 to allow him to do so.