Courts / Meath / Report
Accomplished soccer player has €400k cannabis possession sentence cut on appeal
Summary
James Farmer, a former soccer player aged 36, had his seven‑year prison sentence for possession of over €400,000 worth of cannabis reduced on appeal. The original conviction stemmed from a January 2011 incident at Newland's Cross and Phibblestown House where Gardaí seized €122,000 in cannabis and later found an additional €312,000 at Farmer's home. Farmer pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan on 27 February 2012. On appeal, Judge Alan Mahon noted Farmer's serious medical conditions, including kidney failure requiring dialysis and a severe bowel disorder, and that these would pose significant difficulties in prison. Consequently, the Court of Appeal suspended the final 18 months of the sentence, requiring Farmer to post a €100 bond and maintain good behaviour for 18 months and two years after release. The appeal was granted by Judges Mahon, Garrett Sheehan and John Edwards.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Accomplished soccer player has €400k cannabis possession sentence cut on appeal. Charges or matters: possession of drugs for sale or supply at Newland's Cross, Dublin and at Phibblestown House on January 28 2011. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 28 2011 Incident
- February 27 2012 Incident
- 2015-06-11 Publication
Why: Prior to this Farmer was an accomplished soccer player and coach of children, the judge said, but because of his illness he was forced to give up his sporting activities and lost his job. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: possession of drugs for sale or supply at Newland's Cross, Dublin and at Phibblestown House on January 28 2011 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on February 27 2012. Accordingly, Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, directed that the final 18 months of Farmer's seven year sentence be suspended.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Phibblestown House
- Farmer's house
Topics
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