Courts / Limerick / Report
Restaurateur jailed for importing cannabis appeals against conviction
Summary
Patrick Scanlon, a 55-year-old restaurateur from West Limerick with an address on the Channel Island of Jersey, has appealed his conviction in the Court of Appeal. Scanlon had pleaded not guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to the possession and importation of cannabis worth €79,000 from Spain to a house in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick, on August 8, 2013. He was found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on May 21, 2014. His counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, argued that the second search conducted at a garda station lacked new reasonable cause, claiming the initial roadside search was negative. The prosecution, represented by Anne-Marie Lawlor BL, contended that the search was continuous and lawful, noting that a mobile phone without a SIM card was later found. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, Mr Justice John Edwards, and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, heard the arguments and reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the court's decision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Restaurateur jailed for importing cannabis appeals against conviction. Charges or matters: the possession and importation of cannabis worth €79,000 from Spain to a house in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick on August 8, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- August 8, 2013 Incident
- May 21 2014 Incident
- 2015-06-16 Publication
Why: Ms Lawlor said there was nothing to suggest the second garda had any intention other than to continue the search and there was simply no evidence whatsoever of any device or ulterior motive on the part of gardaí, she said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the possession and importation of cannabis worth €79,000 from Spain to a house in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick on August 8, 2013 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury following a three week trial and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on May 21 2014.
Appellant
Charges: the possession and importation of cannabis worth €79,000 from Spain to a house in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick on August 8, 2013 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury following a three week trial and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on May 21 2014.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Limerick
- Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
- second time in the garda station
- time back at the garda station
- and arrested at the garda station
- Scanlon back to the garda station
- back at the garda station
- brought back to the garda station
Topics
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