Value of drug was debated

A 39-year-old man before the court charged with possession of cannabis herb told Judge Kevin Kilrane it was a lot lower than the garda value. Darren Sommers, Cranmore Drive, was charged with possession of the drug in Cranmore Drive on March 22nd last. Inspector Donal Sweeney said the value of the drug was €200. Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor defending, said the value from the gardaí was not the amount paid for it. He added that the garda value tends to be higher. Judge Kevin Kilrane asked Sommers what valuation he put on it to which he said €60. He applied the Probation Act.

At the same court sitting, Romario Flynn, 22, was fined €300 for possession of €50 worth of cannabis. He had a previous conviction for possession. Defending solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry said his client was now clean from cannabis.