Courts / Dublin / Report
Drug mule avoids jail over suitcase stash
Summary
Jordan Ward, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of €35,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply. He had 20 prior convictions and faced a presumptive mandatory minimum of ten years under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Pauline Codd, after hearing evidence, departed from the minimum and sentenced him to four years in prison, fully suspended on strict conditions. Ward must remain under Probation Service supervision for two years and comply with all terms or face the four‑year custodial sentence. The judge noted Ward was a low‑level drug mule, had not profited, and had shown insight and transformation. He accepted responsibility, wrote an apology letter, and presented evidence of personal change and support from family. The court emphasised the opportunity for rehabilitation and the potential threat if the suspension terms are breached.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drug mule avoids jail over suitcase stash. Charges or matters: possession of the cannabis for sale or supply on December 4, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 4, 2017 Incident
- 2021-02-02 Publication
Why: By Fiona Ferguson and Sonya McLean A "drugs mule" has avoided a jail term for storing €35,000 worth of cannabis in a suitcase 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: Today Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Ward to four years in prison which she suspended in full on strict conditions including that he remains under supervision of the Probation Service for two years. Judge Codd said it would be "unjust" to impose the presumptive mandatory minimum in the case and said "it is in society's interest" that people such as Ward are given the opportunity to rehabilitation. "He will have a substantial threat hanging over him if he doesn't take this opportunity," Judge Codd said, advising that if Ward breaks the terms of the suspension of the sentence he will be jailed for four years.; Judge Pauline Codd had adjourned the case having heard the evidence last June and ordered a probation report to give Ward a chance to see if he can stay off drugs.
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