Young man with a gambling problem given a second chance in Limerick court

HE’S GOT himself into a lot of difficulty with less than salubrious people,” commented Judge Patricia Harney in the case of a young man who appeared before her charged with the sale and supply of drugs.

Limerick District Court was told Dean Ryan, aged 26, of Scanlon Park, Castleconnell, was found in possession of drugs valued at €2,500 following a garda search of his home on February 19, 2025.

Judge Harney said that “the gambling seems to be the issue” having viewed a probation report which was prepared for the court.

The court heard the man has no previous convictions.

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Solicitor John Herbert, defending the man, said in mitigation that Mr Ryan has a “very positive outlook” and that he “seems to get on very well with his probation officer”.

Addressing Mr Ryan directly, the judge commented that the “next step is to get a job”.

Adjourning the matter for a number of months, she directed that a garda progress report be prepared for the next court date.

Mr Ryan must reengage with the Probation Service’s after care programme and he is to get a job before he comes before the court again.

Should he obey the directions of the judge, she will consider striking out the matter.

“Two out of three won’t work here,” Judge Harney warned the defendant.

“I don’t want to ruin his life - though he’s made a hack at it.”

A conviction for the sale and supply of drugs at the district court can result in a fine of up to €3,000 or a maximum prison sentence of up to a year.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme