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'Lifelong drug user' hid heroin up back passage

Summary

David O'Brien, 44, was arrested in June 2017 after Gardaí searched his hostel and discovered a packet of heroin hidden in his back passage. While officers were searching the premises, O'Brien was asked to enter the building; during the search, a string was found coming from his back passage, which he attempted to conceal further up his body. Garda Emmett Brannigan reported that the heroin had a street value of €2,000. O'Brien, who has 35 prior convictions for robbery, drug and public order offences, pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 21 June 2017. He was described as a lifelong drug user and had no fixed abode. Judge Melanie Greally, after considering his admissions and background, imposed a 16‑month sentence, noting that the drugs' presence in a hostel was damaging to other residents. The sentence reflects his cooperation and progress in a methadone maintenance programme.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Lifelong drug user' hid heroin up back passage. Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply on June 21, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 2017 Other
• June 21, 2017 Incident
• 2022-02-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Public Order Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report