Large number face drug possession cases
A LARGE number of people were called before Wicklow District Court last Tuesday, July 18, to face a charge of possession of drugs.
The defendants had no previous convictions and had the cases dismissed with the benefit of the Probation Act. Judge Alan Mitchell asked them to make donations of around one week’s income to the St Vincent de Paul Society.
The judge told each of them that in catching them, the gardaí had done the young people a favour in teaching them some of the consequences of illegal drugs.
He also said that in taking drugs, they are supporting the activities of criminal gangs. ‘Think about that the next time you hear of someone getting shot,’ said the judge.’
Martin Heffernan (40), 49 Killadreenan Close, Newtownmountkennedy, was stopped at a checkpoint at Courtfoyle, Ashford, on December 14, 2016. Five euro worth of cannabis was found. He was asked to make a €500 donation to St Vincent de Paul in which case the matter will be dismissed with the benefit of the Probation Act. The matter was adjourned to September 12.
Darren Porter (18), Meadow View, Ballinalea, Ashford, was in a car parked in a discreet location in that area at 12.30 a.m. on December 23, 2016. He was found with €25 worth of cannabis. Porter was asked to make a donation of €100 to the St Vincent de Paul. The matter was adjourned to September 12.
Timothy Gibson Brabazon (27), Fox Hollow, Cronroe, Ashford, had €100 worth of cannabis at a checkpoint at Newrath, Rathnew, on January 20, 2017. He made a donation of €370 to the St Vincent de Paul Society and the matter was dismissed with the benefit of the Probation Act.
Nathan McGinty (25), 58 Oak Lawns, Castletroy, Limerick, was found in possession of cocaine at the BarnDance at Glendalough House on October 30. McGinty told gardaí that he got it for free. ‘Were there samples being provided at this festival?’ asked the judge. McGinty paid €500 to the St Vincent de Paul Society and the case was dismissed with the benefit of the Probation Act.
Sam Brookes (23), Knockrath, Rathdrum, was found with a substance to the value of €80 at the Barn Dance on October 30. ‘Are people not getting high on the nice views?’ asked Judge Mitchell. The court heard that Brookes has no income but had money with him in court. He paid €200 to the Vincent de Paul and the judge dismissed the case.
David McDonnell (20), 92 Green Road, Carlow, had ketamine at the Barn Dance. ‘Isn’t it a tranquilliser that is supposed to sedate you?’ asked the judge. He paid €200 to the charity and the matter was dismissed.
Laura Butler (21), also had ketamine at the festival. Judge Mitchell asked her to make a donation of €370 and the matter was dismissed.
‘If you’re going to the Barn Dance again, run a mile from anybody who has drugs,’ Judge Mitchell told her.
Kevin Hackett (22), Trim Road, Longwood, Meath, had MDMA to the value of €50 at the Barn Dance on October 30. He was asked to make a donation of €230 to the St Vincent de Paul and Judge Matthews said he would dismiss the case.
Jamie Kilbane (19), 9A Vanessa Lawns, Celbridge, was one of a number young men in a car at Carrig Shouk, Glenmacnass, Wicklow, on February 10, 2017. Gardaí found €10 worth of cannabis in the footwall. Kilbane admitted it was his. He made a donation of €300 to the Vincent de Paul and the matter was dismissed.
Alfie Breslin (18), 28 Avonbeg Cottages, Ballinaclash, Wicklow, was found in possession of €40 worth of cannabis in a car parked in Rathdrum on December 8, 2016. Breslin paid €200 to the St Vincent de Paul. The matter was dismissed.
Gerard Nicholl (52), Echo Field, Kingston, Rathdrum, had €20 worth of cannabis in a bank money bag at his home, which was found during a search on October 27, 2016. Solicitor Barry Kenny said that his client is an accomplished mountaineer, on social welfare most of the year. He paid €300 to the St Vincent de Paul and the matter was dismissed.
Judge Mitchell said that, Nicholl being a little older than the other defendants, could provide a good example by abstaining from illegal drugs.