Man had drugs and cash totalling €17k at rental property
The case was heard at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A young man who was found in possession of a large quantity of drugs and cash at a rental property in Castlebar has completely turned his life around, a court has heard.
Matthew Murray, aged 22, of 5 Castlehill, Castlerea, Co Roscommon pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cannabis, for sale or supply and engaging in money laundering.
Det Gda James O’Brien told the court that Gardaí received confidential information on November 4, 2020, that there were drugs at a house at Knockaphunta Park, Castlebar where Murray was a tenant.
During a subsequent search, Gardaí found 12 clear plastic containers with cannabis, five vacuum bags filled with cannabis, weighing scales and sandwich bags used for storing smaller quantities of drugs. The cannabis seized had a street value of €12,110 while cash totalling €5,600 was also found at the house.
Murray has no previous convictions.
Defending barrister Laura Byrne said Murray was a very young man who got involved in selling drugs to feed his own habit and service drug debts.
“He was under a lot of pressure and there were threats made against his sister,” she added.
Judge Eoin Garavan asked Det Gda O'Brien if he believed this was an accurate description of the situation. The garda replied that he believed Murray was being genuine and forthright.
Prosecuting barrister Patrick Reynolds informed Judge Garavan that the defendant was charged with money laundering because Gardaí believed the cash was the proceeds of crime.
Ms Byrne told the court that Murray is now completing a four-year degree in sport, business and coaching at Carlow IT and has undertaken urine analysis to prove he is drug-free. She said the defendant has been discharged by the addiction services due to his "sustained progress" and a probation officer has acknowledged that he has made a "significant effort" to turn his life around.
Judge Garavan congratulated Murray on doing "extremely well" and said he is confident the defendant will not be before the court again. The judge noted that it is often young people lower down the pecking order - like the defendant - who are caught while people higher up the drug chain escape.
“Thanks to the good work of the Gardaí this man was intercepted, his activities were ceased, and he is now on a path that he would otherwise not be on,” Judge Garavan said. “This is a good result, and I don’t intend to add to the great things he has done. A prison sentence would be unnecessary.”
Judge Garavan imposed a one-year prison term which he suspended on condition that the defendant does not commit any offences for a two-year period, does not use illegal drugs, and remains under the supervision of the Probation Service for one year.
The judge concluded by wishing the defendant well.
“I hope you get your degree," he added.
