Courts / Dublin / Report
Former LOI footballer avoids jail for drugs possession
Summary
Jake Kelly, a 31‑year‑old former League of Ireland footballer, was found with €14,000 of cannabis in his car during a Garda surveillance operation in Carrickmines Green on 11 September 2019. He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. The court heard that Kelly's involvement in the drug offence stemmed from a gambling‑related debt, not a drug addiction. He had two prior convictions for minor road traffic offences. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to three years' imprisonment but suspended the entire sentence on strict conditions, noting that Kelly had addressed his gambling problems and was considered low risk of reoffending. The judge described him as a "cog" in drug distribution but acknowledged his vulnerability and the influence of gambling on his decisions. No charges were brought against Kelly for the cocaine found in a car driven by another man during the same operation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former LOI footballer avoids jail for drugs possession. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Carrickmines Green, Carrickmines, on September 11, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 11, 2019 Incident
- 2021-11-09 Publication
Why: She said as this came to an end, he found himself in debt and was under pressure to repay after borrowing money in order to gamble. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Carrickmines Green, Carrickmines, on September 11, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Pauline Codd said Kelly was "a cog" in the distribution of drugs but that the garda accepted he was vulnerable and typical of the type of person used to distribute drugs. Judge Codd sentenced Kelly to three years imprisonment but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request