Courts / Cork / Report

British man found on boat holding more than €400m worth of cocaine appeals conviction

Summary

A British man, Christopher Wiggins (48), who was found on a boat holding more than €400 million worth of cocaine off the Irish coast, has appealed his conviction. Wiggins pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine for sale or supply on November 5, 2008, when the boat 'Dances With Waves' was boarded 250km off the Irish coast. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on May 8, 2009. Representing himself, Wiggins argued that a section 15A sale or supply drugs offence could not have been levied against him as the offence was committed outside the State and no importation was involved. He also claimed the boarding of the boat by Irish authorities was unlawful. The Navy Boarding Party, which was also an appellant, admitted to possession of cocaine for sale or supply on November 5, 2008, when the boat was boarded. Philip Doo (58), one of Wiggins' co-accused, withdrew his appeal before proceedings commenced. The court heard that the boat 'Dances With Waves' was flying the British Red Ensign but was not registered. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Thomas Creed SC, stated that the boarding was lawful and that there was no basis for Wiggins' argument regarding section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The court has reserved judgment and will deliver its decision as soon as possible.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: British man found on boat holding more than €400m worth of cocaine appeals conviction. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine for sale or supply; possession of cocaine for sale or supply on November 5 2008 when the boat 'Dances With Waves' was boarded 250km off the Irish coast; possession for sale or supply. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• November 2008 Other
• November 5 2008 Incident
• May 8, 2009 Incident
• 2015-05-11 Publication

Why: He said there was no importation involved in the offence, it was committed outside of the State so section 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Act should not have applied because it only has a territorial application. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report