Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge orders Slovakian man to leave country at end of prison term for drug smuggling despite being told he does not have such power over EU citizen

Date
2015-03-24
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Patrick McCartan sentenced 25‑year‑old Slovakian Peter Mikulik to five years' imprisonment for smuggling nearly €50,000 of cocaine from Brazil into Ireland, with two years suspended. The judge ordered Mikulik to leave Ireland immediately upon release and to remain outside the country for five years, stating that the court could direct an EU citizen to depart. Prosecutor counsel argued that the court could not impose such a directive, but the judge rejected this view, insisting on the instruction. Mikulik pleaded guilty to importation of cocaine at Dublin Airport on 15 May 2014. He had been recruited by a man named "Tony" via an untraceable website, swallowed 72 pellets of cocaine in São Paulo, and was intercepted by Irish customs after returning via Rome. He admitted possession of the drug and was taken to hospital for stomach pains.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge orders Slovakian man to leave country at end of prison term for drug smuggling despite being told he does not have such power over EU citizen. Charges or matters: importation of cocaine at Dublin Airport on May 15, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: During interview he said he took on the job because he needed money to pay debts. CNI source report

Case subjects

Peter Mikulik

Convicted Person

Charges: importation of cocaine at Dublin Airport on May 15, 2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Peter Mikulik (25) was sentenced to five years in prison with two suspended for smuggling nearly €50,000 of cocaine from Brazil into Ireland. It was suggested that the judge request Mikulik to leave once he served his sentence and that it be made a condition of the suspended portion that he not return.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Airport Incidents Drugs Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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