Courts / Wexford / Report
'Man with a van' ended up couriering €350k in cannabis
Summary
Paul O'Leary, 51, of Follyhouse Lane, New Ross, Co Wexford, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The sentence was imposed after O'Leary pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin, on 24 April 2017. Garda surveillance had revealed O'Leary's van parked at the quay, where he and a second driver transferred two cardboard boxes containing just over 17 kg of cannabis, valued at €350,104. O'Leary's role was described as that of a courier with no wider involvement. He has two minor prior convictions for public order offences. The judge noted his modest work history, gambling addiction, mental health issues, and role as a devoted father to three children, and accepted that a favourable probation report placed him at low risk of re‑offending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Man with a van' ended up couriering €350k in cannabis. Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin on April 24, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 24, 2017 Incident
- 2020-11-16 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin on April 24, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Melanie Greally sentenced O'Leary to five years with the final two years suspended on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for 12 months upon his release from prison. Judge Greally said it appeared to be "a lapse of judgement" on O'Leary's behalf before she sentenced him.; Judge Greally had adjourned the case having first heard evidence last July.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Public Order Stage Sentence
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