Sweet shop owner accused of selling booze to teens
A man who was reported to be in a takeover bid for Aer Lingus has been charged with selling vodka to a group of youngsters.
Stuart Pearson, 21 Quinnagh Green, Black Bog Road, Carlow, is charged with selling intoxicating liquor and trading without a licence at Pearson's Shop, Main Street, Graignamanagh on March 14, 2008.
He is also charged with permitting the supply or intoxicating liquor and purchasing intoxicating liquor for delivery to underage people.
His wife, Sarah Pearson, 12 Quinnagh Green, Black Bog Road, Carlow, is charged with trading without a licence and with purchasing intoxicating liquor for delivery to un-derage people on March 17, 2008.
Solicitor Michael Lanigan asked if exhibits, namely a bottle of vodka and a vodka box were available to the court.
"I need to seek an adjournment to write to the inspector. There is no connection between the bottle, which is one brand and the box which is not the same brand.
"This is a significant factor and will be used to establish where the vodka was purchased by the young people. The box was taken from my client's shop and the bottle was taken from somewhere else.
"In the garda statements, a great emphasis is placed on the location of the box. If the box is not here today, then that will create difficulties as it needs to be identified," added Mr Lanigan. Judge William Harnett adjourned the case until October 29.
Inspector Liam Connolly told the court that there would be six State witnesses and four defence witnesses involved in the case. The judge asked In-spector Connolly whether or not the box in question still existed. "That has to be examined," replied the inspector.
Mr Pearson made national and international headlines last year when he claimed that he was was behind attempts to buy out embattled property giant, Taggart Holdings for €450 million and purchase a 30% stake in Aer Lingus. However, questions have been raised in the local and national media about the legitimacy of his claims.
Mr Pearson and his wife Sarah were both present in court, along with another family member when their case was called last Thursday.
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