Man gets suspended sentence for role in cannabis operation

A 28-YEAR-OLD Wicklow man who pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis with a street value of €66,400 has been given a three-year suspended sentence.

Stuart Jameson, of 9 Cedarwood Crescent, Kilcoole, pleaded guilty before Judge Cormac Quinn at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court to having a controlled drug (cannabis) in his possession at Macmine, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, on June 18, 2014.

Det Garda Gary Collins told the court about a search of the property on June 18, 2014. As gardaí approached the house, they observed a person inside, who did not open the door. That person has previously been dealt with by the court.

When gardaí entered the house, they found the defendant, Stuart Jameson. During a search of the premises, a small amount of cannabis was found while there was evidence throughout the house of cultivation having taken place. He said that cannabis was found growing in the attic and the value of the cannabis came to a street value of €66,400.

The roof of the house, said Det Collins, was heavily insulated, while the attic was divided into three compartments, with lights, machinery, etc. The defendant was very co-operative with the investigation, he added.

Det Collins said a William Murphy was in charge of the operation. He said that Jameson did not have any profit from the operation.

Det Collins said that Murphy has already been handed a five-year suspended sentence in relation to the incident, while also being orded to co-operate with the Probation and Welfare services.

The defendant, said Det Collins, is living at home and working full-time. He comes from a good family and is of good character. He is someone who did have a cannabis problem but did not know what stage he is at now. Jameson pleaded guilty to the offence in February 2018.

The defendant, said Det Collins, has come under credible violent threats and that these threats are in relation to both parties, with Murphy having had to leave the area.

Defence Counsel, Marc Murphy BL, said the threats on Jameson’s life were genuine and have been reported to the gardai. He said his client has an offence coming up in Bray Court but he wants to put all this behind him.

Defence Counsel said it was William Murphy who was the subject of the garda investigation while his client was not on their radar. However, Jameson made full admissions in so much he was unaware as to what was going on, he said.

Mr Murphy mentioned a very positive Probation and Welfare report, which described his client as being at low risk of re-offending. He asked the court to be as lenient as possible and give credence to a suspended sentence.

Judge Quinn said there was evidence the defendant is living in fear but was satisfied that the accused did materially assist in the operation. However, he was satisfied that the mandatory ten-year sentence did not apply.

He said there were mitigating circumstances in the case.

Judge Quinn imposed a sentence of three years, suspended on condition the accused enter a bond of €200 to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years, and that he be under the Probation and Welfare services for 18 months, comply with all instructions from them and attend any courses as directed.