Tick-list and €5,000 of drugs found by gardaí in schoolbag at Arthur's Quay, Limerick city

"THERE ARE people who are profiting off the drug trade in the city - not Mr Marshall”, Barrister Amy Nix said regarding her client who was caught with over €5,500 worth of drugs in his car.

Fintan Marshall, 37, of Ashbury View, Roscrea, Tipperary pleaded guilty to the supply and sale of drugs and the possession of drugs at Arthur’s Quay, Limerick city on October 12, 2023

Limerick Circuit Court heard that when gardaí stopped Mr Marshall’s vehicle, the man threw a schoolbag into the back of the car.

The schoolbag was found to contain a “tick-list” of names, as well as illegal drugs with a street value of over €5,500.

The man was arrested on suspicion of sale and supply of drugs. Mr Marshall told gardaí that he owed €2,000 and “I was holding something for somebody that I shouldn’t have”.

Upon further questioning he told gardaí “I was just told they would look after me”, and “It was going to buy me some time”.

It was put to him that he may have been more actively involved in drug dealing than he was saying, which he denied.

Ms Nix said in mitigation that Mr Marshall’s brother died in 2024 at 33 years of age, and the man also “lost a nephew who came into contact with a fentanyl patch and died”.

The court heard that Mr Marshall experienced a relapse when he was caught with drugs, but he has since been drug free for the past 18 months.

Mr Marshall is a father of seven children - his youngest is three years of age and his eldest is 17 years old.

His barrister, Ms Nix, said that some of his children have additional needs, and he is sole custodian of one of his children. Mr Marshall is currently in employment as a truck driver.

Barrister for the state, John O’Sullivan, outlined that Mr Marshall has a number of previous convictions, including two for the possession of drugs, one for violent disorder, and another conviction for possession of an article.

Judge Colin Daly gave Mr Marshall credit for his early plea. The judge said Mr Marshall has shown remorse and experienced loss.

Judge Daly proceeded to impose a fully suspended sentence of two years’ imprisonment for the sale and supply of drugs, and eight months for the possession of drugs.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme