Possession of heroin and theft offences

A 42 year old man before Sligo District Court charged with theft and possession of heroin was ordered to carry out 80 hours of Community Service in lieu of two months in prison.

Lee Young, Garavogue Villas, Sligo was charged with possession of €250 worth of heroin at Martin Savage Terrace on June 8 2022. He was also charged with stealing one coaster holder value €25 and one Harper Gem sculpture value €55 from Next, Quayside Shopping Centre on April 9 2022. He was also charged with possession of cannabis herb at Garavogue Villas on April 20 2021.

Sergeant Derek Butler told the court Gda O’Hora obtained a search warrant to enter the home of Lee Young where a quantity of suspected cannabis was handed over.

Young co-operated fully. The value was €50. On April 9 2022, at 4:52pm, a male entered Next and removed a sculpture valued at €55 and glass cannisters and placed both in a bag with no payment.

It was reported to gardaí who went to the defendant’s home and the cannisters were on a coffee table and he handed them to Gda Grimes. He co-operated.

Sgt Butler said that on June 8 2022, at 9:50pm, gardaí were on patrol and a the rear entrance of a house in Garavogue Villas, a male exited the house with two bags of a brown substance suspected to be heroin. It was analysed as heroin.

Sgt Butler said Young had 26 previous convictions. Defending solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern said his client has difficulties and has been engaging with the services.

He said he has tried to get his life in order and is doing well.

He has attended all his Probation meetings and is doing well.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham noted he had a number of previous convictions.

She said the Probation Services found him suitable for Community Service.

On the theft charge, she convicted him and ordered him to carry out 80 hours of Community Service in lieu of two months in prison.

On the heroin charge, she convicted and ordered him to carry out 80 hours of Community Service in lieu of two months in prison.

She took into consideration the other charge. Mr McGovern said he was obliged.