Man with drug debt was storing cocaine in Laois
Defendant appeared at Portlaoise District Court
An Emo man who ran up a drug debt due to a €100 a day cocaine habit was convicted of possessing drugs.
Brian Delaney, 29,of Morette, Emo admitted having cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at his Sean Doire, Durrow on February 9, 2023.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Gardai searched a property and discovered the cocaine, cannabis and deal bags. He said the drugs had a combined value of €3,185.
“He admitted he was holding the drugs for another person,” said Sgt Kirby.
Sgt Kirby said the defendant told gardai the cannabis was for his own use. He said the man had eight previous convictions but all were road traffic offences.
Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client had been put under pressure to hold the drugs.
“At the time he was addicted to cocaine, judge. He was roughly using €100 per day of cocaine,” he explained.
He said the defendant “got into trouble” and was asked to store the cocaine.
“He owed a very, very serious debt,” said Mr Byrne.
Mr Byrne said the man’s partner left him for a number of months following his arrest and the man went into residential treatment for addiction.
He said the man spent three months in treatment but left a week and a half before completing the course because of difficulties he had with someone who arrived at the centre.
Mr Byrne said his client has worked all his life. He said he had worked in construction and was now employed by a TV logistics company.
A letter from the defendant’s grandmother was handed into court.
“He put his hand up and accepted responsibility,” said Mr Byrne.
“I would ask the court not to impose a custodial sentence,” he added.
Judge Andrew Cody was concerned there may be more to the case as there were deal bags and drug dealing paraphernalia found in the search.
Mr Byrne said his client wasn’t on the street selling drugs.
“There was threats made to Mr Delaney and his family,” he said.
Judge Cody imposed a three month sentence which he suspended for two years. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.