Cork man caught with €10k worth of cocaine in his home given suspended jail term

A Midleton man caught with a €10,000 stash of cocaine at his home was given a fully suspended jail term but the sentencing judge warned: “You won’t get a second opportunity.” 

Detective Garda Diarmuid O’Neill said the accused man, Craig Barry, was stopped and searched as he left a bar in Midleton and he was found to have a small amount of cocaine in his possession for his own use.

A warrant was obtained for a follow-up search at his home at Cora Cluain, Ballinacurra, Midleton.

Det Garda O’Neill testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that a much larger quantity of cocaine was discovered during that search. Cocaine with a street value of just over €10,000 was seized.

Various drug-related paraphernalia, including two weighing scales and drug baggies were also found.

The 23-year-old was arrested and detained for interview by gardaí.

“Mr Barry admitted that the large quantity of cocaine was for sale or supply. He was in it to support his own addiction and was under pressure to repay a debt.

Jessica Kelleher, defence solicitor, stressed the fact that Craig Barry had not come to the adverse attention of gardaí since this crime was detected on Saturday January 29, 2021 and had no previous convictions.

The probation service report described him as being at low risk of reoffending.

Ms Kelleher said that when interviewed the defendant said he was addicted to cocaine and other substances before this time but had since made successful efforts to kick the habit and deal with his addiction to cocaine, including a period at Coolmine treatment centre.

Ms Kelleher said the defendant had been assisted in his rehabilitative efforts by a very supportive family.

“At the time he was in fear about drug debts and what would happen if they were not paid up,” the barrister said.

Judge Colin Daly found that there were no aggravating factors in the case.

The judge referred to a number of mitigating factors. The judge found the that the defendant’s remorse was genuine, he was now contributing positively to his community, the probation report found him to be at low risk of reoffending and he was previously of good character.

In all the circumstances said the principle of rehabilitation took precedence over the principle of deterrence in sentencing.

Imposing the fully suspended two-year sentence, Judge Daly addressed the accused directly: “Mr Barry, you’ve got an opportunity. You won’t get a second opportunity.”