Barrister asks court to consider leniency for young man who stashed drugs in Limerick bedroom
A YOUNG man received an eight-week prison sentence at Limerick District Court, after he admitted possession of controlled drugs for unlawful sale and supply.
Shane Blackhall, aged 21, of Mungret Court, Watergate, Limerick city had the drugs stashed in his bedroom when his home was searched by gardaí on December 1, 2023.
Mr Blackhall was questioned by gardaí, and he accepted the drugs were his.
Prosecuting Sergeant Denis Waters detailed that Mr Blackhall has 21 previous convictions, including one for the possession of controlled drugs for unlawful sale or supply.
He has six convictions for section three drug possession, three for breaching a court order, three for dangerous driving, one for failing to appear in court, and one for driving without insurance and a driving licence.
Barrister-in-Law Reginald Garrett, defending Mr Blackhall, said his client had entered a very early guilty plea and he asked the court to note that he’s a young man.
Seeking leniency, Mr Garrett said: “He knows he has to turn things around.” He added that Mr Blackhall is engaging with a key worker.
“I’d ask the court to mark it as leniently as possible,” he said.
Judge Patricia Harney imposed eight weeks’ imprisonment on Mr Blackhall.
The judge made a destruction order for the drugs.
Mr Garret was assigned legal aid for appearing on Mr Blackhall's behalf.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme