Young Cork man receives Suspended jail term for possession of drug stash

A TWO-YEAR suspended sentence was imposed on a young man caught with a stash of drugs in Douglas.

David Maher, 22, was given the fully suspended prison term by Judge Jonathan Dunphy at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Dunphy said during the sentencing hearing that the defendant met gardaí by appointment and made admissions. 

The man told officers it was part of a plan to pay off a drugs debt. He had no previous convictions and has not come to Garda attention since.

“He has shown commitment to rehabilitation and is at low risk of reoffending,” said Judge Dunphy. 

“I am imposing a two-year sentence. Under exceptional circumstances, I am suspending the sentence fully on condition that he continues with his rehabilitation.”

The man from Grosvenor Mews, Douglas, Cork, admitted having in his possession cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply on October 1, 2021.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said the defendant was only 19 at the time.

The drugs were found during the October 2021 search under warrant. 

As well as the drugs, gardaí found zip-lock bags in various sizes that were used to store the drugs.

The man admitted giving drugs to friends but also storing some of the larger quantities as a way of clearing a drugs debt to an unnamed person. Cocaine worth €1,300 was found along with €12,000 worth of cannabis.