DCU student avoids jail for dealing drugs on campus

A 21-year-old sports science student from Kiltimagh, County Mayo, has avoided a custodial sentence after admitting drug dealing at Dublin City University. Cian Charlton pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA for sale or supply at Hampstead House, Glasnevin, on 15 November 2017. Following a garda raid on his campus residence, officers recovered the drugs with weighing scales and documentation, with an estimated street value of €3,079. Charlton initially provided false accounts to gardaí before acknowledging he could not identify his suppliers due to fear. Judge Pauline Codd suspended a one-year prison sentence on condition Charlton maintain the peace and complete a drug awareness course with the Probation Service. The university subsequently suspended him from his course for the academic year. The court noted Charlton's lack of previous convictions, engagement with counselling, and supportive family background in mitigation.