Suspended term in cannabis case

A MAN who was in possession of cannabis was given a three-year suspended sentence at Wicklow Circuit Court last week.

Edward Heffernan, Broomhall Court, Rathnew had 102 grams of cannabis and a plant at his home on June 21, 2014.

Gardai obtained a search warrant and executed it at Heffernan’s address on that date. Other paraphernalia was found, the court heard. Heffernan took responsibility for the substances in his house.

Judge Michael O’Shea said at last week’s sentencing hearing that it was accepted that this was in the lower category in the overall scale of persons involved in the drug trade. ‘Nevertheless, he was involved in the sale or supply of drugs, albeit in a small capacity,’ said the judge.

He said that such people play the part of conduit to those higher up the scale who ‘make enormous amounts of money in a horrific trade.’

The judge said that Heffernan had some history of drugs possession, but not for sale or supply.

The court heard that Heffernan was 38 years of age and left school at an early age. He has a very strong work history and potential in the construction industry. A reference before the court said that the defendant is an excellent worker. His partner is expecting a child. Judge O’Shea said that Heffernan had cooperated and expressed remorse. He no longer abuses drugs and no longer associates with drug using peers.