Electrician (30) had cannabis in church car-park
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Shop Local vouchers give even better protection and value than what the new regulations cover, as they do not have an expiry date and there are no service charges as the Chamber absorbs all costs of printing, advertising and administration. There are no initial fees. A €10 voucher will cost
A 30-year-old electrician had more than €3,500-worth of drugs in a car parked at a local church, Dundalk district court has heard.
Before Judge McKiernan was Seán Connolly, Westwood, Milestone, Castlebellingham, who pleaded guilty to charges arising out of the incident at St Oliver Plunkett Church, Blackrock, on 17 January last.
He admitted possession and possession for sale or supply of cannabis herb, valued €3,200 and cannabis resin, valued €462.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to having no insurance on the same occasion.
It was stated on Connolly’s behalf that he suffers from anxiety, and after engaging in cannabis use he had been encouraged to buy more and more, and started supplying to his friends.
Gda Damien Welby gave evidence that at 9.20pm on 17 January, 2019, a Volkswagen Passat was spotted stopped in the church car-park.
Gardaí pulled up beside this car, and got a strong smell of
€10 and the value in the shop is €10.
Pat McCormick President of the Chamber said y that sales to date of the Shop Local vouchers are ahead of expectations this year and it is hoped that the retailers of Dundalk will have a good Christmas.
Paddy Malone PRO Dundalk Chamber pointed out that in addition to people buying vouchers as Christmas gifts for families and friends, the scheme offers the most tax efficient way for employers to reward their employee. cannabis from it. The occupant and vehicle were searched.
A quantity of drugs was found in the car, Gda Welby continued, and the defendant was arrested and taken to Dundalk garda station.
It was stated the Passat did not belong to Connolly.
He has 20 previous convictions, including six for no insurance. There are none in relation to drugs.
Gda Welby agreed with solicitor Frank McDonnell that the accused’s family are decent people and concerned over this.
Mr McDonnell said his client, an electrician by trade, suffers from anxiety.
A good work history came to ‘a shuddering halt’ 18 months ago. He became engaged in cannabis use, and was encouraged to buy more and more, and was supplying to his friends.
He was not on the radar as a dealer, per se.
The solicitor continued that, with the permission of the court, Connolly left the jurisdiction to work for the summer, then came back to meet the case. His father was in court.
Mr McDonnell said the defendant was an excellent footballer. He is the father of a child whom he maintains. He enjoys ‘a reasonable relationship’ with the mother.
He asked the court to seek a report and to hold its hand until then. The defence could supply its own reports.
Judge McKiernan remarked she was not sure a probation report would tell her anything new.
‘I don’t accept he was just supplying (drugs) to his friends.
‘ The innocent victims in these cases are generally young people,’ she said.
The judge added Connolly has six previous convictions for no insurance, and ‘is in trouble on the insurance alone’.
‘I couldn’t do anything but impose a custodial sentence.’
Mr McDonnell submitted that community service or a suspended sentence were options.
The judge said sale and supply (charges) are extremely serious, ‘and most offences arise from them’.
She said she would defer sentence until 18 January, 2020.