12-month suspended sentence

A 55-YEAR-OLD Riverchapel man who pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence.

Conor O’Connor, of 20 Beachside Drive, Riverchapel, Gorey, came before Judge Cormac Quinn at Wexford Circuit Criminal court.

He pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis for sale or supply at 20 Beachside Drive, Riverchapel on September 25, 2017.

Prosecutinc counsel Dan Gordon told the court the value of the cannabis was €7,864.

Det Sgt Ian Hayes gave evidence of a search being carried out at the defendant’s house. During the search, gardai found two pieces of cannabis which the defendant said was for his own use.

A further search with the assistance of sniffer dogs located more cannabis behind the defendant’s sofa. Det Sgt Hayes said the drugs located came to 25.4grms. The accused said the drugs were given to him to mind by another individual.

Det Sgt Hayes said the defendant, who had no previous convictions relating to drugs, co-operated fully with the investigation.

Defence counsel James Peart said the defendant was holding the drugs for someone else, and was to receive just €200 for this illegal deal.

In evidence, O’Connor apologised to the court, to the gardai and to his partner for what he got involved in.

Passing sentence, Judge Quinn imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended in its entirety.

O’Connor must also remain under the supervision of the probation and welfare service for 12 months.