Courts / Dublin / Report

Former security guard imported over 41,000 ecstasy tablets

Summary

John Coonan, a former security guard, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on appeal regarding his conviction for importing 41,360 ecstasy tablets. Coonan pleaded guilty to one count of importing the drugs at Clarence Mangan Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, on June 25, 2016. He alleged that he committed the offence under duress after men threatened to harm his fiancée. Judge Cormac Quinn accepted that Coonan acted out of fear rather than for monetary gain, noting his lack of previous convictions. However, the judge emphasized that couriers play an essential role in the drugs trade. The court handed down a six-year sentence but suspended the final three years on a number of conditions, resulting in an effective custody period of three years. Coonan had previously made admissions to gardaí, stating he was given a throw-away phone and instructed to pick up the package, which was intercepted at Portlaoise mailing centre. Defence counsel argued that Coonan's role was small within a larger enterprise orchestrated by others. The court also noted that Coonan has since obtained full-time employment and is involved in community support activities.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former security guard imported over 41,000 ecstasy tablets. Charges or matters: one count of importing 41,360 ecstasy tablets at Clarence Mangan Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 on June 25, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• June 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-07-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report