Judge gives 'one last chance' to Ballina man

A district court judge has issued a stern warning to a defendant who appeared at Castlebar District Court last week for selling drugs.

Judge Sandra Murphy told Daniel Christie, aged 28, of 33 Bunree Road, Ballina, that it was with "great reluctance" she was agreeing to a request by his solicitor to suspend the jail term she was imposing, and she warned him that prison awaits if he does not engage fully in the rehabilitation programme available at Cuan Mhuire Treatment Centre.

Christie pleaded guilty to possessing drugs, valued at over €2,000, with intent to sell or supply.

The judge noted that this was a third drugs-related conviction for the defendant, one of which was as recent as 2022 for the possession of cannabis for which he was fined €750, and a similar offence in 2021 when he was fined €300. The judge also noted a more serious conviction in 2017 when a suspended jail term was imposed on a charge of assault, including threatening to cause harm or to kill.

Judge Murphy said it was clear the defendant had been involved in "a life of crime" due to his addiction issues with alcohol and drugs but had made very little effort to seek help through rehabilitation. A report from the Probation Service outlined his failure to turn up for three appointments.

Although the court was told the defendant had been given the opportunity when his case had been adjourned to apply to Cuan Mhuire to be put on the list to engage in their rehabilitation programme, it emerged from enquiries at Castlebar District Court that he was not on such a list as he had not applied. Following a conversation between the defendant’s solicitor Denis Molloy and Cuan Mhuire, the defendant was put on the list but it would take some time before a bed became available.

Outlining the facts in the case, Gda Sgt Conor McShane told the court that gardaí searched the defendant’s home on October 22, 2024, and found cannabis valued at €2,206 in a shed, as well as a weighing scales and ‘deal’ bags.

Mr Molloy said his client was taking full responsibility for the drugs. Christie is the father of a five-year-old child and is keen to tackle his addiction issues.

“This is the first opportunity he has to engage in a rehabilitation programme, having been entrenched in drugs and alcohol. This is a five-month programme which will hopefully have the desired effect,” said Mr Molloy.

Judge Murphy said it was clear the defendant was now only agreeing to engage with rehabilitation because his hand was being forced, adding that the defendant had been living a criminal lifestyle and had not made any serious attempt to get out of it.

“It is with great reluctance that I will agree to give this man one last chance and agree to impose a suspended sentence,” she said.

Judge Murphy imposed a four-month term of imprisonment, which she suspended on condition the defendant engages with Cuan Mhuire's residential and aftercare programmes. 

• Published as part of the Court Reporting Scheme.