A District Court judge who owns a premises in Naas, Co Kildare, that had been rented to a head shop has agreed with the tenant that the business will cease trading from next month.
District Court Judge John Coughlan was the focus of controversy after it was revealed he was letting his former solicitor’s practice in Naas, Co Kildare, to a trader selling “legal highs”.
Happy Daze, directly opposite Naas Courthouse, sells herbal cigarettes and other substances used as alternatives to illegal drugs as well as associated paraphernalia.
In a statement issued through the Courts Service today, Judge Coughlan said: "Further to my previous statement on this matter where I stated my representatives had immediately sought to transfer the business of a ‘head shop’ out of a former business premises of mine; I am happy to confirm that my solicitors have agreed with the solicitors for the tenant that this business will cease trading with effect from April 15th, 2010 and vacant possession will be handed over on that date".
""There were some lease and legal matters to be got over before this issue could be resolved to each parties’ satisfaction. I am very happy that the matter was resolved by agreement."
Judge Coughlan, who was appointed to the District Court in September 2002, operated out of the premises in question in Naas prior to his appointment. The judge also had an office in Newbridge.
The sale of legal products which mimic illegal substances such as cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis, head shops have been the focus of public and political criticism in recent months.
Public protests have taken place in some parts of the country and two head shops in Dublin were recently the target of apparent arson attacks.
