‘You are not the invisible man’: Judge tells Cork man to 'get out of the drugs trade'

A 19-YEAR-OLD facing sentencing for dealing cannabis in Bandon was told to get out of the drug trade, with the circuit court judge reminded him: “You are not the invisible man”.

Judge James McCourt made this comment to Kian Ryan, of Richmond Court, Bandon, as he reminded him of the concerns that the detective who investigated the case continued to have about him.

“You live in Bandon, he is in Bandon,” said Judge McCourt. “You are not the invisible man; get out of the drugs trade.”

Detective Garda Colin O’Mahony said he did not see a change in the defendant’s behaviour.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said there were clean urinalysis results, a favourable probation report, and that her client was now in employment.

Judge James McCourt said to the accused: “You better not see me again. Gardaí remain concerned about who you hang out with. Against that, you are working. You are at a crossroads in your life. You either stop it now or you will fall into a cycle you will never get yourself out of.

“If you are hanging around with negative peers who are directing your life, and to whom you owe money, that has to stop and it has to stop now.”

Judge McCourt imposed a three-year prison sentence, but suspended it in full, in respect of the drug-dealing and related money-laundering charge.

“Your future is in your hands,” the judge said.

Prosecution barrister Brendan Kelly said the accused pleaded guilty to having drugs for sale or supply, and money laundering, on August 19, 2022.

Det Gda O’Mahony said that just before 7pm the Divisional Drugs unit and the Garda Dog Unit went to Richmond Court to search a house under warrant. As they approached, they met Kian Ryan walking alone at a laneway by Richmond Court.

Some €600 worth of cannabis was found in the property and a further €1,900 worth of the drug was found concealed in the laneway where gardaí had met the young man earlier. Cash of €2,570 was also seized.

Defence barrister Ms McCarthy said: “He found his mother dead when he was 13 and suffered from addiction and mental health issues. There is a very positive probation report… He is getting on very well. He is working full-time.

“He has provided negative urine sample and presents with motivation and commitment.

“He has great potential. He contributes enthusiastically to his community.”