Golden opportunity for young Offaly man

A MAN with several drug convictions was told a nine-month suspended sentence was a golden opportunity for him.

Judge Michelle Finan imposed the sentence on Gary Hyland (21), Church View, Tullamore after he admitted having cannabis, plus cocaine on one occasion, for sale at his home and at St Kyran Street on different dates between March 4, 2021 and December 4, 2022.

The value of the drugs for sale varied from €360 to €960, to a maximum of €1,608, which was cannabis more than two years ago.

Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr Hyland had been used by drug dealers to do their deliveries.

He had been hit with a golf stick and was under continued surveillance by those people.

The father of one, who turned 21 two days after his appearance in Tullamore District Court, had written a letter to the judge, as had his partner.

Sergeant James O'Sullivan said the young man could have got out of selling but Mr Farrelly said the accused had suffered significantly himself.

Judge Finan said she only believed people turned over a new leaf when it could be seen.

“This pattern of criminality has to stop,” she said, telling Mr Hyland that she was giving him a chance and that the sentence was being suspended on the basis that he committed no further offences.

She said his child deserved a father who would be there for him.