Gardai seized cocaine and cash during raid on Limerick house
Supt Dan Flavin
GARDAI investigating the sale of drugs in Newcastle West found €2,500 worth of cocaine during a search of a house, the local court has heard.
Larry Nicholson, aged 24, with an address at St Columba’s Place, Tullamore, Offaly pleaded guilty last Friday to drugs offences arising from the search of the house on Sheehan’s Road, Newcastle West on April 17, 2011.
Supt Dan Flavin told the court that gardai attached to the local crime office obtained a search warrant for the premises, and inside they found the quantity of cocaine and a total of €685 in cash.
Nicholson, who was in the house at the time, admitted ownership of the drugs and was arrested. He pleaded guilty in court to charges of possession of drugs, and possession of drugs for sale or supply.
The court heard that Nicholson has a total of 18 previous convictions, including an eight month jail term for assault causing harm, criminal damage and public order offences in 2011.
In 2012 he was jailed for one month for assault, while his criminal record also includes other public order offences dating back to 2010.
He has one previous drugs conviction: a six month suspended sentence for unlawful possession in July 2009.
Solicitor Michael O’Donnell, defending, said that Nicholson is a father of two young children who is currently unemployed, but helps to train his local under age soccer team.
Mr O’Donnell said that Nicholson is currently awaiting sentencing on a separate matter at Mullingar Circuit Court, which has been adjourned for the completion of a probation report.
Mr O’Donnell asked that the judge “give him a chance”, as Nicholson is currently receiving treatment for a drug addiction problem.
He asked that the judge consider delaying sentencing in this matter until after the probation report on Mr Nicholson becomes available.
Judge Larkin warned that “for that amount of drugs, I will be applying a suspended sentence”.
However, she said that she would adjourn sentencing until after Nicholson’s probation report is completed. If it is a positive report, the judge said that “I may change my mind”.
Mr Nicholson was remanded on bail until April 9.
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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