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Dark net drug dealer awaits appeal outcome

Summary

Neil Mannion, 35, of Dublin, was sentenced to six‑and‑a‑half years for possessing €143,000 of LSD, amphetamine and cannabis resin with intent to sell or supply. He admitted guilt and described how the drugs were sold on the dark net, a part of the internet likened to eBay or Amazon. Mannion was the main beneficiary and organiser of the operation. His co‑accused received a three‑year sentence. At the Court of Appeal, Mannion's barrister, Michael Bowman SC, argued that the harsher sentence was disproportionate and that Mannion's cooperation with investigators should not lead to a harsher outcome. The three‑judge panel, led by Justices George Birmingham, John Edwards and Alan Mahon, could not decide immediately and reserved judgment, stating a decision would be made in the coming weeks. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dark net drug dealer awaits appeal outcome. Charges or matters: the same crime, received a sentence of only three years. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• November 5, 2014 Incident
• 2016-10-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report