Galway resident pleads guilty to crime gang activities and pipebomb possession
He is also charged with a moneylaundering offence contrary to Section 7 of the Moneylaundering and Terrorist Financing Act,
A 25-year-old man who has pleaded guilty to a number of offences including possession of a pipe bomb and facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation, has had his case adjourned to later this year.
Romantas Peiskivcuis, with a former address at the Square, Barrack Street, Loughrea, was due to be sentenced at Galway Circuit Court but his case could not proceed due to the withdrawal of service by legal aid solicitors in dispute with the Department of Justice.
Barrister Garry McDonald BL told the court he did not have instructions, but the accused understood what was happening and speaks perfect English.
Judge Brian O'Callaghan said the court had received a conclusive report from the Probation Services and no updated report would be required.
Judge O'Callaghan noted the accused was in custody and said that whether the dispute continues or ends, cases involving people in custody and people with mental health issues will have to be dealt with. "It's not fair" he added.
Romantas Peiskivcuis was remanded in custody to appear again on December 9. He has pleaded guilty to a number of offences committed on various dates in 2024 and 2025.
He is charged with a moneylaundering offence contrary to Section 7 of the Moneylaundering and Terrorist Financing Act, involving the use of a Revolut Account in the name of a woman, on dates between July and August 2024.
He is also charged with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act - cannabis possession at Sean Bhaile, Doughiska, on November 18 2024 and possession of cannabis for sale or supply at the same address on December 2 2024.
Peiskivcuis also admits knowingly having under his control an explosive substance - a pipe bomb - at Fairlhill, Menlough on November 24, 2024. He has also pleaded guilty to facilitating the activities of an organised crime group contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
That charge alleges that on dates between April 19, 2024 and January 27, 2025, he committed the offence to enhance the ability of a criminal organisation to commit serious offences, to wit, moneylaundering, possession of explosives and the sale or supply of drugs.
A final charge alleges that the accused on June 19, 2024, assisted in the commission of an offence by using a Revolut Account in the name of a woman, to pay customs charges on the importation of cannabis.