Student who sold drugs did year of volunteering

AN IT Sligo student who pleaded guilty to selling ecstasy tablets a year ago has avoided a criminal conviction after proving to Judge Kevin Kilrane he’s become a better person over the last year.

22-year-old Christopher McCabe, originally from Cavan but with an address at the time of Glencarraig Estate, Ballinode, pleaded guilty in May 2017 to possessing ¤200 of cannabis and to having ¤700 of ecstasy tablets for sale or supply at that address in Ballinode on 23rd November 2016.

The drugs were found during a Garda search of his home on that date.

Inspector Donal Sweeney reminded the court that MDNA (ecstasy) and cannabis were found on the premises during the search operation.

McCabe presented himself at Sligo Garda Station a few weeks later and admitted to having the ecstasy for sale or supply and to possession of the cannabis.

After he pleaded guilty in May 2017, McCabe asked Judge Kilrane for a chance to prove he had reformed and the judge agreed to adjourn sentencing for a year on condition he sign up for volunteer work several hours a week.

McCabe returned to Sligo District Court last Thursday, accompanied by his parents.

His solicitor Mr Mark Mullaney handed up a book of testimonials to Judge Kilrane outlining the volunteer work he had done since May 2017.

“He took on board your words and took on volunteer work three hours a week in Drumgoon parish,” he told the court.

He said McCabe had also carried out 11 hours volunteer work in a palliative care shop in Cootehill and had organised a charity run in a local school which raised ¤2,025 for a sick friend of his and a cancer charity.

“He has applied himself and finished his third year and would like to enter final year in September,” said Mr Mullaney.

He said McCabe had enjoyed the volunteer work to such an extent he was prepared to continue it.

“They’re certainly glowing testimonials here,” said Judge Kilrane, “one from a poli- tician but we won’t hold that against him.”

He pointed to the fact that ¤100 had already been handed into court and asked for another contribution to the Sligo Gardaí fund for the three children of murdered Natalia Karaczyn.

McCabe said he would be glad to contribute to the fund and handed ¤200 in total into court.

Judge Kilrane said: “On that basis I’ ll strike out.”

McCabe thanked the judge for leaving him without a criminal conviction.

“You’ve got your chance now, take it,” said Judge Kilrane.