Courts / Dublin / Report
Rugby player built up debt by using cannabis to manage pain
Summary
Darragh Kelly, a 23‑year‑old student rugby player from Sutton, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful possession for sale or supply of cannabis after being caught with two bags of the drug, valued at €9,804, on 7 April 2020. His defence counsel, Keith Spencer BL, explained that Kelly had accrued a drug debt of €4,000 by using cannabis to manage pain from a sports injury. Spencer said Kelly had been threatened and moved the drugs to avoid further harm. At the time of the offence, Kelly was a 21‑year‑old student living with his parents and had been smoking cannabis. He had played rugby at a high level before an injury ended his playing career, though he has since returned to coaching. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Kelly was not profiting from the drugs, had no prior convictions, strong family support, and a good employment history.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rugby player built up debt by using cannabis to manage pain. Charges or matters: unlawful possession for sale or supply of cannabis at James Larkin Road, Raheny, Dublin 17 on April 7, 2020. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 7, 2020 Incident
- 2022-07-11 Publication
Why: He said Kelly came under threats and because of these he agreed to move the drugs from one place to another. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: unlawful possession for sale or supply of cannabis at James Larkin Road, Raheny, Dublin 17 on April 7, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- James Larkin Road
Topics
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