Courts / Dublin / Report
Intellectually disabled man had €85k worth of drugs in shed
Summary
Alex Weir, 28, of Gibbons Terrace, Balbriggan, was found guilty of possessing cannabis and cocaine in his shed, with the drugs valued at €85,500. He had no prior convictions and was described by his defence as intellectually disabled and on the autistic spectrum. Garda Aaron Shanahan explained that a search warrant was issued after a confidential tip, and that Weir admitted the presence of drugs in the shed, handing over six small bags of cocaine and later two bags containing cannabis and cocaine. The court, led by Judge Melanie Greally, considered Weir's particular difficulties and needs, deciding he was unsuitable for custodial imprisonment. Consequently, a four‑year prison sentence was imposed, fully suspended on strict conditions, including abstaining from non‑prescription drugs. The judge noted Weir's early guilty plea, cooperation with Gardaí, lack of previous convictions, and his dependence on family support. The case highlighted the court's focus on Weir's vulnerability and the mitigating factors presented by his defence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Intellectually disabled man had €85k worth of drugs in shed. Charges or matters: one count of possessing cannabis and cocaine at the same location on October 23, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 23, 2019 Incident
- 2022-11-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of possessing cannabis and cocaine at the same location on October 23, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally said in light of Weir's particular difficulties and needs, he would be "unsuitable for a custodial sentence". She imposed a four-year prison sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions including that Weir abstain from non-prescription drugs.
Places mentioned
- Gibbons Terrace
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
- At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
Topics
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