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Sentencing adjourned for man who claimed he "found' €14k in cocaine
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Declan Garnett, a 46‑year‑old father of three, pleaded guilty to possessing 198 grammes of cocaine worth €13,923 found near his apartment complex bins. He claimed he discovered the drugs in a shopping bag, brought them home, and hid them in his wife's jacket, holding them for up to three days before deciding what to do. Garda Cathal Connolly reported that the police raided Garnett's home on a warrant, finding no wealth, paraphernalia, or cash. Garnett had no prior convictions. His defence highlighted his lack of secondary education, strong work ethic, and family support, submitting employment testimonials and letters from his wife and children. Judge Karen O'Connor, shocked by the children's letters, set a headline sentence of five years' imprisonment but adjourned sentencing to March 14 to assess suitability for community service, noting Garnett's apologetic nature and potential to give back to the community. The case remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing adjourned for man who claimed he "found' €14k in cocaine. Charges or matters: possessing 198 grammes of cocaine worth €13,923 at his home on December 6, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 6, 2016 Incident
- March 14 Adjournment
- 2018-01-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing 198 grammes of cocaine worth €13,923 at his home on December 6, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today, Judge O'Connor set a headline sentence of five years in prison, but said she wanted to defer sentencing to determine whether Garnett would be suitable for community service.; Judge O'Connor remanded Garnett on continuing bail and adjourned the matter to March 14 for sentencing.
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