Courts / Meath / Report

Woman who was living in her car avoids jail over cannabis possession

Date
2014-11-14
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Kells
County
Meath

Summary

Deirdre Griffin, aged 25, was found in possession of a bar of cannabis resin worth €1,476 after her ex‑boyfriend could not pay for diesel he had added to his van. She was living in her car at the time of the offence and had a history of six road‑traffic convictions. Griffin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was given an 18‑month sentence, which the judge suspended in full on strict conditions. The judge noted her efforts to turn her life around, her stable relationship with a new partner, and her drug‑free status. Her former partner, Christopher O'Toole, received a five‑year suspended sentence for possession of €26,000 of the controlled drug PVP ("snow blow") found in the van, of which Griffin had no knowledge. The court considered the circumstances of her living situation and her past caregiving role for her mother, who died of cancer in 2004.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who was living in her car avoids jail over cannabis possession. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis resin valued at €1,476 for sale or supply at Texaco, Dublin Road, Balbriggan on June 4, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Christopher O'Toole

Defendant

Outcome: Christopher O'Toole (39), of Castlegrange Avenue, Swords, received a five year suspended sentence earlier this week after he took responsibility for €26,000 of the controlled drug PVP or "snow blow" also found in the van.

Deirdre Griffin

Defendant

Charges: possession of cannabis resin valued at €1,476 for sale or supply at Texaco, Dublin Road, Balbriggan on June 4, 2013 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Sarah Berkeley noted the efforts Griffin has made to turn her life around and imposed an 18 month sentence which she suspended in full on strict conditions.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Dublin Road

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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