Courts / Dublin / Report
Young man facing 10-year drug sentence given chance
Summary
Jordan Ward, 23, of Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on December 4, 2017. The case is at the sentencing stage, where Ward faces a presumptive mandatory minimum sentence of ten years under section 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Prosecution evidence stated that gardai found a suitcase containing cannabis valued at €35,604 at his residence. Ward admitted to holding the drugs to settle a debt. Defence counsel, Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, argued that Ward's role was minor, describing him as being at the bottom of the ladder, and submitted that a wholly suspended sentence was up for consideration if exceptional circumstances were found. The defence highlighted Ward's cooperation, reduced drug use, and efforts to assist his family. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the matter until November 2 to allow Ward the chance to deal with his drug use. The judge stated she was not giving any indications but wanted to observe how well Ward could stay off drugs before proceeding.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young man facing 10-year drug sentence given chance. Charges or matters: possession of the cannabis for sale or supply on December 4, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 4, 2017 Incident
- November 2 Adjournment
- 2020-06-18 Publication
Why: Jordan Ward (23) said he was holding the drugs because he owed "too much money" in a drug debt. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of the cannabis for sale or supply on December 4, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said Ward was not completely free of drugs and currently finds it difficult to motivate himself as he is expecting to get a custodial sentence. He said that should a judge find there were exceptional circumstances then a wholly suspended sentence is up for consideration at the more moderate end of offending.
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