Student caught selling ecstasy

A Sligo IT student who pleaded guilty to selling ecstasy tablets has been given a chance to prove to a judge he’s becoming “a better person.”

21- year- old Christopher McCabe of Glencarraig Estate, Ballinode, pleaded guilty at Sligo District Court last week to the unlawful possession of cannabis and having ecstasy for sale or supply at his student accommodation last November 23rd 2016.

Inspector Donal Sweeney told the court that the drugs were found after they obtained a search warrant to search his house - Gardaí had been monitoring McCabe and other students.

He was arrested a few weeks later and made full admissions.

McCabe, originally from Cavan, has no previous convictions.

The court heard he had been assaulted a number of times and suffered from depression. He had since left that group of people and was continuing his studies. His solicitor Mr Mark Mullaney handed up a “very impressive book of testimonials” to Judge Kevin Kilrane.

“I’m just trying to get on with college as best I can. The last few months have been tough,” McCabe told the judge.

He also said he wanted to prove to his parents ( who were in court) that he was a “changed person”: “I’ve put them through an awful ordeal and torture,” he said.

“I’d like the opportunity to prove to you Judge Kilrane that I’m a better person,” he added.

Judge Kilrane said he accepted McCabe was not “masquerading as decency” but asking for something “short of a criminal conviction was a big ask.”

However he agreed to remand McCabe on continuing bail for a year, to May 17th 2018 if he agreed to register as a volunteer with a registered charity and carry out several hours volunteer work a week.

“That would certainly assist me in coming to a conclusion,” said Judge Kilrane.

McCabe readily agreed to do this immediately.

Mr Mullaney added that McCabe had already fundraised over ¤ 2,000 for a Cavan charity.