Judge said he will give Limerick drug dealer a chance

A YOUNG man was put in a position of storing and selling drugs, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

Stephen Troy, aged 24, of Delmege Park, Moyross pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at that address on September 7, 2021.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the facts of the case with the assistance of Detective Garda Michelle Browne.

Mr O’Sullivan said gardai executed a search under warrant on the date in question.

“Cannabis with the Cali brand valued at €4,026 was found in the bedroom, along with a digital weighing scales. €570 worth of amphetamines were found in the sitting room,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Gardai investigating theft from Limerick apartment

Mr Troy was arrested and when questioned by gardai said he was a cannabis user and bought in bulk for personal use.

Mr O’Sullivan said gardai discovered text messages that were consistent with the sale of drugs. The court heard Mr Troy has no previous convictions.

Tom McGowan, barrister for Mr Troy, said his client’s family had suffered a tragedy in the family and it had a terrible effect on Mr Troy.

“He became addicted to substances. He was put in a position of storing and selling drugs. He was a small cog in a big wheel.

He is the father of a four-month-old child. He is due to start employment on Monday. He lost everything in his life due to the tragedy. He is not on drugs anymore,” said Mr McGowan in mitigation.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said there was a very favourable probation report and that Mr Troy has been clean from drugs for two years.

The judge took into consideration Mr Troy’s guilty plea, no previous convictions and the positive probation report.

“I will give him a chance,” said Judge O’Donnell, who adjourned the case for a year.

He requested an updated report from the Probation Service on that date and if it is positive, Judge O’Donnell said he will deal with the matter leniently.