Courts / Dublin / Report
Suspended sentence for student who transported ecstasy tablets
Summary
Cian Johnston, a 19‑year‑old Dublin student, received a four‑year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possession of almost 1,800 ecstasy tablets. Gardaí found 980 tablets in his backpack and 802 at his home, with the drugs valued at €17,820. Johnston claimed he was paid €300 to transport the tablets to a Luas stop at the Point Theatre, stating he had no intention of using them and was merely "minding and transporting" them for money. He was nervous and reluctant to name the individuals who hired him, fearing retribution. His defence highlighted his lack of prior convictions, his cooperation with police, and his law‑abiding family background. Judge Martin Nolan noted Johnston's age and cooperation, and imposed a suspended four‑year sentence, warning that future offences could lead to imprisonment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for student who transported ecstasy tablets. Charges or matters: possession of the tablets on August 28, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 28, 2014 Incident
- 2015-02-04 Publication
Why: Gda Byrne agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that Johnston was effectively working as a courier and he became of interest to the gardaí because of the company he was keeping. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of the tablets on August 28, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He handed down a four year sentence, which he suspended in full and warned Johnston that if he gets in trouble with the law in the next four years, there is every possibility that he will go to prison.
Places mentioned
Topics
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