Courts / Dublin / Report
'Targeted' tile shop owner jailed for taking €1.9m cannabis delivery
Summary
John Hanley, a 45‑year‑old tile shop co‑owner in Coolock, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to knowingly permitting the importation of drugs. On 10 October 2020 a pallet containing €1.94 million worth of cannabis was delivered to his shop on Malahide Road and signed for by a shop worker. Gardaí raided the premises and seized the drugs. Hanley told the court that he had accepted the delivery because he believed he was targeted due to his legitimate business and that he did so out of fear for his safety and that of his family. He claimed no other shop staff were aware of the drugs and that he had been threatened by individuals to hold them. Hanley had two prior convictions for minor offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Targeted' tile shop owner jailed for taking €1.9m cannabis delivery. Charges or matters: one count of knowingly permitting the importation of drugs at his premises at Malahide Road, Coolock on October 10, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 10, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-10-11 Publication
Why: John Hanley (45) told gardaí he was targeted to take in the drugs delivery because he owned a legitimate business and that he did so out of fear for himself and his family, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of knowingly permitting the importation of drugs at his premises at Malahide Road, Coolock on October 10, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He noted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had opted to deal with Hanley by way of an importation charge, rather than a drug dealing charge, which the judge said would have merited a sentence of six to eight years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request