Courts / Dublin / Report
€870k in drug money stashed at rural property
Summary
A Dublin man has been sentenced to four years imprisonment following a money-laundering conviction at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Jonathon O'Connor, aged 38, pleaded guilty to concealing over €870,000 in cash at a rural property in Dromore, Bailieboro, Co Cavan on 28 July 2020. During a garda surveillance operation at the address, officers discovered €870,620 in euro and £14,890 in sterling, distributed across 21 separate cash exhibits found in sheds and outhouses. O'Connor, from Elm Road, Donnycarney, Dublin, immediately disclosed a further €80,000 in his vehicle. When questioned, he declined to identify the money's owner, stating his life would be endangered. He admitted transporting and storing the funds but offered no explanation for an apparent obligation to a third party. Judge Martin Nolan accepted O'Connor's full cooperation and clean criminal record but determined that custodial sentencing was warranted given the serious nature of money laundering.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: €870k in drug money stashed at rural property. Charges or matters: a single charge of money laundering at an address in Dromore, Bailieboro, Co Cavan, on July 28, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 28, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 28 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-07-29 Publication
Why: Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jonathon O'Connor (38) could not reveal to gardai who owned the money because "his life would be in danger". Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a single charge of money laundering at an address in Dromore, Bailieboro, Co Cavan, on July 28, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan, handing down sentencing, accepted O'Connor's "excellent mitigation" – a long work history, clean record, and noted his relationship with his children – but said that a custodial sentence was deserved. Judge Nolan sentenced O'Connor to four years imprisonment.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Elm Road
- Dublin
- and travelled to Navan Garda Station
- Navan
Topics
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