Courts / Cavan / Report
"Vulnerable" mother caught with €39k worth of herbal cannabis avoids jail
Summary
Carmel O'Reilly, a 28-year-old from Belturbet, County Cavan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing almost two kilograms of herbal cannabis for sale or supply on the Naas Road on December 13, 2013. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced her to a five-year suspended sentence, noting she played "a very small part, at the lowest level" in the operation. The judge described O'Reilly as vulnerable and stated she had "perfect mitigation," citing her guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, lack of prior record, and strong references. He took the "unusual step" of avoiding imprisonment, viewing the incident as a one-off offence. O'Reilly was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle driven by co-accused Dominick Brady, her former partner and the father of her daughter. Brady, who allegedly held the senior role, disappeared three days before his scheduled court appearance in December, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Prosecution evidence indicated Brady brought O'Reilly along for convenience and cover. Defense counsel highlighted O'Reilly's vulnerability, depression, and history of manipulation by Brady. The court accepted that O'Reilly was led by Brady and acted under his influence, resulting in the suspended disposal rather than immediate custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Vulnerable" mother caught with €39k worth of herbal cannabis avoids jail. Charges or matters: possessing almost two kilos of the drug for sale or supply on the Naas Road on December 13, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 13, 2013 Incident
- 2015-06-18 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing almost two kilos of the drug for sale or supply on the Naas Road on December 13, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan gave O'Reilly a five-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and said she had played "a very small part, at the lowest level" in this drug-dealing operation.
Co Accused
Places mentioned
- Naas Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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