Courts / Dublin / Report

Dealer 'no longer has any interest' in drugs after near-death experience

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Francis Kelly, aged 33, was sentenced to a suspended 32‑month term for possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale. Kelly, who had a near‑death experience after an overdose in 2020, has since stopped using drugs and has undergone a profound personality change, according to a clinical psychologist. He now studies computer programming and intends to pursue third‑level education. The drugs, valued at €8,400, were seized in a Saggart carpark after a Garda report. Kelly pleaded guilty to two counts of possession for supply on 4 May 2018 and has 35 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences. The judge noted his educational progress and the absence of further Garda attention, and imposed the suspended sentence on a number of conditions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dealer 'no longer has any interest' in drugs after near-death experience. Charges or matters: two counts of possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply within the State on May 4, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 4, 2018 Incident
• 2022-07-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report