Three years jail for Ballina man who supplied £5,000 worth of cannabis
A 50-YEAR old Ballina native who pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for supply and the importation of drugs was given a three year prison sentence by Judge Harvey Kenny at Castlebar Circuit Court, sitting in Westport yesterday. Charges against his nephew were adjourned for a probation report. Appearing before the court were Jason Daly, Thomas Street, Castlebar who pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for supply and possession for his own use on September 3 last. His uncle, Brian Daly, with an address at Nuttall Lane, Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for supply on the same date and with unlawful importation of cannabis on August 27 last. In the case of Jason Daly, Detective Sergt. Justin Clarke said the defendants house was searched on September 3 and on the floor of his bedroom a small quantity of resinous substance was found. Two slab of cannabis resin were found in the base of the bed. The drugs had a street value of £5,000. In a statement Jason Daly said on the previous Sunday he met his uncle at the Fleadh Ceol in Ballina and said he had brought cannabis from England and would sell him a 'nine-bar' for £600. Jason Daly said he had no money but his uncle told him to take two bars and to pay him in a few weeks. He returned to Castlebar and took the bars to his bedroom. Half an hour later the Gardai arrived and searched it. He said one bar was for his own use. He knew he could sell the second bar. He was not involved in the sale of drugs before and would not have done so only he had no cash. Jason Daly had no previous convictions. Mr. John O'Donnell B.L. (Defending) said his client was an occasional user and asked that a probation report be prepared. Judge Kenny directed that the report be compiled and adjourned the case until next term. In the case of Brian Daly, Detective Sergt. Clarke said Jason Daly had made a frank disclosure and divulged that the drugs were supplied by Brian Daly who was on his way back to Manchester. Gardai went to the departure lounge at Knock Airport and Daly was arrested. He had £1,570 sterling and £40 Irish money in his possession. Judge Kenny said Brian Daly had knowingly went down the road to supply cannabis aware of the damage it would do. |
