A 25-year-old man who bought €1,100 of counterfeit notes on Snapchat intended to spend it all on cannabis, a court has heard.

Gardai found the fake currency, which was made up of counterfeit €50 and €20 notes, when they searched Dean McHugh last February, Galway District Court heard.

Inspector John Moloney told the court that Gardaí observed McHugh acting in a suspicious manner at Béal Srutha, Ballybane, on February 15, 2024.

During a search, Gardai found cannabis worth €50 and €1,100 in counterfeit notes.

Dean McHugh, with an address at 268 Castlepark, Ballybane, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis contrary to section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He also admitted having in his custody €1,100 counterfeit money; €800 in €50 notes and €300 in €20 notes, which was and which he knew or believed to be a counterfeit of a currency note, intending to deliver to another person or any other person, with the intention that that person or any other person would pass or tender it as genuine.

That offence is contrary to section 35 (1) and (3) of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

He has no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Michael Cunningham told the court said that at the time of the incident, his client was in great difficulty with cannabis and was “smoking every day”.

The court heard McHugh responded to an adertisement on Snapchat and paid €250 for €1,100 in counterfeit notes.

Mr Cunningham said his client’s intention was to use the fake money to purchase cannabis and while he iwas still not completely free of smoking cannabis, he was “weening” himself of it.

Mr Cunningham said his client cooperated fully with Gardaí and asked the court to take into account his guilty plea, history of employment and good work ethic.

Judge Adrian Harris said that due to the lack of previous convictions, the court was seeking a report from the probation and welfare services.

The case was adjourned to a later date.

■ Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.