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Drug dealers used home of intellectually disabled man to stash ecstasy, court hears
Summary
John Freer, 43, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to knowingly permitting the preparation of controlled drugs at his home on August 10, 2015. The court heard that drug dealers used the residence of the intellectually disabled man to stash approximately €108,110 worth of ecstasy tablets and €3,500 worth of Diazepam. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan BL stated that gardaí believed Freer was approached by others to store the drugs, noting he was not paid for his role. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC described Freer's "diabolic personal circumstances," highlighting his isolation and lack of social services support until the raid. Judge Martin Nolan, presiding, described the situation as a "sad case is an understatement." He found that Freer was taken advantage of due to his incapacities, resulting in little or no moral culpability. The judge suspended an 18-month prison sentence on strict conditions. Freer, who has no previous convictions, has since been moved into a more appropriate residential setting where his needs are met.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drug dealers used home of intellectually disabled man to stash ecstasy, court hears. Charges or matters: knowingly permitting the preparation of controlled drugs at his home on August 10, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 10, 2015 Other
- 2017-03-29 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: knowingly permitting the preparation of controlled drugs at his home on August 10, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan said to describe it is a "sad case is an understatement" before he suspended an 18 month prison sentence on strict conditions.
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