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Dublin Man has jail portion of sentence for having nearly €2 million in cannabis reduced on appeal

Date
2014-07-28
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In 2011, Stephen Grant, aged 41, was sentenced to eight years in prison by Judge Martin Nolan after pleading guilty to possessing €1,976,244 worth of cannabis resin and drugs for sale or supply at a truck wash in Greenogue, Rathcoole. Evidence from a surveillance operation showed a white van entering Greenogue Industrial estate, which was seized by Gardai. At the sentence hearing, Grant's counsel argued that mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea, community contributions, low likelihood of reoffending, and significant rehabilitation efforts had not been adequately considered, while aggravating factors had been overemphasised. Judge Frank Clarke granted the appeal, increasing the imposed sentence to ten years but suspending the final four years. This adjustment reflects the court's recognition of Grant's rehabilitation progress, allowing potential early release if he continues to progress, while maintaining serious consequences for any further offences.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin Man has jail portion of sentence for having nearly €2 million in cannabis reduced on appeal. Charges or matters: the possession of cannabis worth €1,976,244; the possession of drugs for sale or supply at a truck wash in Greenogue, Rathcoole on September 1, 2009. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Grant

Convicted Person

Charges: the possession of cannabis worth €1,976,244; the possession of drugs for sale or supply at a truck wash in Greenogue, Rathcoole on September 1, 2009 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Stephen Grant (41), with a last address at Neilstown Avenue, Clondaklin, was jailed for eight years by Judge Martin Nolan having pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the possession of cannabis worth €1,976,244. Presiding judge Mr Justice Frank Clarke said the court would allow the appeal, but would increase the sentence imposed on Grant from eight to ten years while suspending the final four years of that sentence.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Neilstown Avenue
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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