Courts / Dublin / Report
Former League of Ireland footballer jailed for transporting €200k in cannabis
Summary
Robert Bayly, a former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland youth team footballer, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after he was caught transporting almost €200,000 worth of cannabis. Bayly, aged 30, admitted to possessing the drugs for sale or supply at Cherry Orchard Drive, Ballyfermot, on 12 May 2017. Gardaí stopped his Nissan Almera and found a strong smell of cannabis; Bayly confirmed there was "weed in the boot" before officers discovered ten small packages with an estimated street value of €194,284. He claimed he agreed to transport the drugs to reduce a €6,500 gambling debt, citing fear for his life, his daughter and girlfriend. The court noted Bayly had no prior convictions and was described by his barrister as a "child prodigy" who fell into gambling after moving to Leeds at 14. Robert Bayly pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former League of Ireland footballer jailed for transporting €200k in cannabis. Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Cherry Orchard Drive, also Ballyfermot, on May 12, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 12, 2017 Incident
- 2018-03-13 Publication
Why: He accepted that Bayly told gardaí in interview that he was glad he was caught because it meant that "a huge amount of drugs wouldn't make it onto the street". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Cherry Orchard Drive, also Ballyfermot, on May 12, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) A former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland youth team footballer has been jailed for two and half years after he was caught transporting almost €200,000 worth of cannabis. He should not have succumbed to those pressures," Judge Nolan said before he jailed Bayly for two and half years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Cedarbrook Way
- Dublin
- Cherry Orchard Drive
Topics
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