Limerick man convicted of having more than €10k of drugs was "in the throes of addiction"

A MAN who was found to be in possession of a combined total of more than €10,000 worth of drugs has been given a fully suspended sentence in light of his rehabilitation efforts.  

Darragh O'Toole (also known as Dara), of Annadale, Bagnall Terrace, Limerick, appeared before Limerick Circuit Court, on two separate charges of possession of drugs for sale or supply. 

The court heard that on January 3, 2023, Mr O'Toole was found to be in possession of cocaine to the value of €8,610.84, along with drug paraphernalia and €830 in cash. 

Separately, on August 2, 2023, an intelligence-led garda operation led to the seizure of cocaine to the value of more than €1,500, a mobile phone and plastic deal bags.  

The court heard that at the time Mr O'Toole immediately took responsibility and said he had drug debts and addiction issues. 

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The 27-year-old did not admit to selling cocaine at that time when arrested, but said that he had issues with gambling and drug addiction. 

 The court heard that Mr O'Toole has had strong family support and has engaged with the Tabor group for his addiction issues. 

In considering her sentence, Judge Sinéad McMullan said: “These are obviously very serious matters, he is still a young man and I fully accept that he was in the throes of his own addiction at the time.”

She added that having a structure in life, along with employment prospects are both very promising indicators of his future behaviour. 

“Drugs are such a scourge on our society,” the judge said, adding that selling drugs to others is increasing the harm that drugs can cause.  

Judge Sinéad McMullan imposed a sentence of two and a half years for the first Section 15 offence of possession of drugs for sale or supply to the value of more than €8,600. She said that the amount of drugs and the paraphernalia were both aggravating factors. 

She imposed a further 18-month sentence, reduced down to 12 months for the second Section 15 offence of possession of more than €1,500 worth of drugs.  

She suspended the total of three and a half years in full, on the condition that Mr O'Toole, continue to attend rehab, and engage with Cocaine Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for three and a half years. The man's addiction and rehab efforts were taken into account. 

Judge McMullan said: “This is to incentivise you to stay on the straight and narrow.”

Mr O'Toole was released on his own bond of €100 and must keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the duration of the fully suspended sentence.