Man who ‘went off the rails’ admits drug, theft and damage charges

CASE IS ADJOURNED FOR A COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT TO BE PREPARED

A MAN who pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and drugs possession has had his case adjourned for a community service report to be prepared.

Jason Douglas (34), with addresses at The Pines, Sea Road, Fr Redmond Park and Saint Johns Villas in Arklow pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession of drugs and obstruction at St Peter’s Place playground car park off Park Avenue, Arklow on August 16, 2018; criminal damage and theft at Tesco Ireland, Wexford Road, Arklow on December 20, 2018; theft and criminal damage at Tesco Ireland, Wexford Road, Arklow on December 21, 2018; and possession of drugs for sale or supply on January 23, 2019 at Arklow Garda Station.

Last Wednesday, Arklow District Court heard that on January 23, 2019, gardaí approached a man getting off a bus on the Wexford Road who was known to them. They conducted a search at Arklow Garda Station and found four bags of brown powder, later identified as diamorphine with a value of €864. Douglas admitted that he had bought the drugs to supply a third party and re-pay a debt.

In relation to the charge of unlawful possession of drugs on August 16, 2018, the court heard that gardaí stopped a car and spoke to the defendant. There was a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle. Douglas was brought to Arklow Garda Station and agreed to a search. Drugs with a total value of €426.28, including €100 of cannabis, were found in his jeans. Douglas made a full admission.

In relation to charges of theft and criminal damage, the court heard that at 8 p.m. on December 20, 2018, Douglas entered the Tesco store on the Wexford Road.

He took a Sony Xperia phone and caused damage to a secuity box. Store staff approached him and asked him to leave. Douglas returned the next day, December 21, 2018, and took a craft knife and screwdriver before causing damage to a Samsung TV and a security tag. He also took a second Sony Xperia phone and left without paying for the phone and caused damage to a security box. The total value of the goods taken was €308 and over €600 of criminal damage was also caused. The stolen property has not been recovered.

The defendant had 18 previous convictions. In mitigation, solicitor Padraig Hyland said this was a ‘terrible litany of offences’. He said that Douglas accepted his abuse of drugs had an inexcusable effect on his family.

He had a long history of drug addiction, all of his own making, and had been in extreme difficulty, as outlined in the probation report. He had made strides following a period of imprisonment and had stopped using drugs, Mr Hyland said.

In 2018, Douglas ‘went off the rails’ and was hospitalised after an overdose which could have cost his life.

Mr Hyland said the defendant had six children, doesn’t deny the charges and had made full admissions. He was aware of the damage caused. His family had previously discharged his debts. It was late in the day to say it, but Douglas had turned a corner and realises that he or someone else could die.

He has engaged with addiction services and is on a methadone programme, Mr Hyland told the court.

Douglas is now working as a courier and trying to make amends. Mr Hyland requested leniency and asked the court to follow the recommendations of the probation report.

Douglas was in a ‘healthier position than I’ve ever seen,’ Mr Hyland added.

Judge Kennedy said the probation report showed Douglas was capable of excellent work and had completed courses, however, he said there would have to be a custodial sentence.

He said the ‘plethora of offences can’t be dealt with any other way’. He added that the sentences may not be as bad as the defendant feared.

Judge Kennedy imposed a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years. releasing Doughlas on his own bond of €100 to keep the peace, and imposed a fine of €500 with nine months to pay in relation to the unlawful possession of drugs charge on August 16, 2018.

Judge Kennedy said Douglas was suitable for community service in relation to the theft and criminal damage charges. He adjourned the case to May 13 for a report to be produced.

Judge Kennedy imposed an 18-month probation bond in relation to the charge of possession of drugs for sale or supply on January 23, 2019 and released Douglas on his own bond of €250 with conditions that he comply with a restorative justice programme, continue to engage with services, attend all probation appointments and that urine analysis is conducted monthly. He adjourned the case until May 13.

Mr Hyland said the defendant was grateful for the opportunity.