Three generations of Limerick family sit side-by-side in circuit court
One of of the men is jailed for money laundering; two other accused receive suspended sentences for drugs offences
A YOUNG man, his father and his granduncle were all before Limerick Criminal Circuit Court together in connection with drugs offences and money laundering.
Cian Troy, aged 23, of Abbeyvale, Corbally, Limerick pleaded guilty to possessing over €4,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply at Shanabooley Avenue, Ballynanty on May 28, 2021.
Cian Troy’s father - Mark Troy, aged 50, of Abbeyvale, Corbally pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis and possession of cannabis at his home address on the same date.
Noel Troy, aged 57, of Shanabooley Avenue, Ballynanty - an uncle and granduncle of the previous two accused - pleaded guilty to money laundering after gardai discovered €89,000 in cash at his address.
Prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Kieran Lynch.
Mr O’Sullivan said gardai carried out an intelligence-led operation targeting the sale or supply of drugs at a house on Shanabooley Avenue, Ballynanty on May 28, 2021.
“Cian Troy was observed running out the back and discarding a plastic bag into a neighbouring house. He said he panicked. This was retrieved by gardai,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The court heard there was €4,122 worth of cannabis with some of it in bags and ready for distribution on the street.
Mr O’Suliivan said Cian Troy told gardai that he started smoking cannabis after he was hit by a bus while cycling.
“He said he received the cannabis on tick from an individual outside the house. He said he intended to sell it to cover the cost and smoke the rest,” said the prosecuting barrister.
Mr O’Sullivan said €89,960 in cash was found by gardai in the home of Noel Troy.
“He accepted he hasn’t worked since the 1980s when he was a cobbler. He said he got into debt for cocaine and was given the cash to mind in return for €200 being taken off the debt. He took responsibility but feared for his own safety if he named anyone,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Gardai then searched Mark Troy’s home in Abbeyvale, Corbally where they found six cannabis plants nearing maturity, valued at €800 each.
“He told gardai he cultivated cannabis for medical purposes. He said he can’t afford to buy it so he grows it for himself. He made a partition in his bedroom. He explained that he has chronic back pain after he was in a car accident.
“He acknowledged it was against the law. He said he does not profit from it,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Amy Nix BL, who represented Cian Troy, said her client was 19 at the time, has not come to garda attention since, panicked when gardai arrived at the house and made admissions.
The barrister said Cian Troy is in full-time education studying social studies in Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE).
Cian Troy’s mother took the stand, saying Cian was a great son and a great brother to his sister who has spina bifida.
Ms Nix handed in positive letters from representatives of LCFE, Limerick Mental Health Association and Moyross Youth Academy.
“He is very remorseful. There are no trappings of wealth. He is on a good path,” said Ms Nix, who asked Judge Sinead McMullen to allow him continue his studies and not impose a custodial sentence.
Aaron Desmond BL, for Noel Troy, said his client takes care of his brother in the house he has lived in for 53 years.
“The house is basic. There are no trappings of wealth. He co-operated with gardai and admitted the cash probably came from illegality.
“He came into the orbit of certain people of unsavoury disposition,” said Mr Desmond
Lorcan Connolly SC, for Mark Troy, said his client cultivated six cannabis plants for medicinal purposes.
“His chronic back pain has not responded to conventional medication. He has five children - four living at home. It was not a sophisticated operation. He was growing cannabis for his own use and was not involved in sale of supply,” said Mr Connolly.
Judge McMullen adjourned matters for a week to consider sentencing. When the matter was before the judge again, she handed down a fully suspended two year sentence in relation to Cian Troy for possession of cannabis for sale or supply.
Judge McMullen jailed Noel Troy for three years for money laundering.
Mark Troy received a two year suspended sentence for cultivating cannabis and a concurrent one year suspended sentence for possession of cannabis.