Courts / Dublin / Report

Wholly suspended 10-year sentence imposed on "oldest drug mule to come before the courts" too lenient, appeal court finds

Summary

In December 2014 the Court of Appeal ruled that the 10‑year suspended sentences handed to Edward Rooney, 65, and Des Ryan, 55, for possessing €1.2 million worth of heroin and cocaine were too lenient. The men had pleaded guilty in October 2013 to possession for sale or supply after transporting a bag of drugs from the UK to Ireland. The appeal court noted the financial pressure that led them to act as couriers, the high value of the drugs, and the fact that neither was driven by addiction. It also highlighted that the men were not compelled by compulsion but chose to participate for financial gain. The court reserved its judgment, to be delivered on 19 January 2015, and indicated that the sentences would be revised to reflect the seriousness of the offence. The original judge had imposed a wholly suspended 10‑year term, which the appeal court found to be an error in principle.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Wholly suspended 10-year sentence imposed on "oldest drug mule to come before the courts" too lenient, appeal court finds. Charges or matters: possessing heroin and cocaine for sale or supply. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 2013 Incident
• April 5, 2012 Incident
• January 19, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• New Year Other
• 2014-12-08 Publication

Why: He said the court had regard to the circumstances of the offence as demonstrated by the value of the drugs, the age of the two men, the motive of financial gain, the fact that neither accused was driven by addiction or compulsion to commit the crime and did so by choice, and the fact the drugs were heroin and cocaine. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report