Man kept over €3k of cannabis at his home and his mum’s

A Tubbercurry man hid drugs at his home and that of his mother’s in order to repay a debt he owed. Tubbercurry Disctrict Court heard cannabis worth €3,200 was recovered from two houses in the town on January 30 th,. 2018.

The discoveries were made at the home of Michael Skeffington of 45, Mountain View, Tubbercurry and at his mother’s home at 19, Mountain View.

The court was told that Skeffington had two previous convictions for possession of drugs and possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Defending solicitor Laura Spellman said her client owed a debt to a person and held the drugs in an effort to pay this off.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said it was obvious the father of three was making money from drugs and ‘possibly fuelling his own drug habit in the process’. The judge added that people like Skeffington find themselves owing money be- cause they cannot pay for drugs. “We see people being killed on a daily basis over owing money,” said the Judge.

Replying to Ms Spellman’s plea for leniancy to her client, Judge Kilrane noted that he had already got a chance from the court previously.

“He says he was forced to solve matters,” said Ms Spellman.

Judge Kilrane said Skeffington was not forced but had got himself involved in drugs.

Addressing the court, Skeffington said he was no longer involved in anything like this and was employed part time as a stone mason.

Judge Kilrane put the matter back for sentencing to July 24 th next and warned Skeffington that if he is found dealing or using cannabis he will face prison for the ‘maximum period’.

“You’ ll be kept under constant monitoring. You’ve asked for a chance and you’re getting a chance,” the judge concluded.