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'Hard worker' who began dealing drugs when he fell is jailed
Summary
Gerald O'Donnell, 45, was sentenced to five years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after being found with €260,000 worth of cannabis in his Lusk home. He pleaded guilty to possession of the drug in herb and resin form. O'Donnell, who had no addiction issues, began dealing drugs after falling ill with ankylosing spondylitis in 2009, which forced him to leave his job as a manufacturing technician. He claimed dealing was a way to avoid dependence on others. Gardaí seized 12.5 kg of cannabis herb, 1.4 kg of resin, and €5,195 in cash, the proceeds of crime. The judge, after considering mitigating factors such as early plea, cooperation, and medical condition, reduced the headline sentence from seven to five years, back‑dating it to 3 May. O'Donnell has one prior driving offence and had never been on the Garda radar before this offence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Hard worker' who began dealing drugs when he fell is jailed. Charges or matters: possessing the drug, in herb and resin form, at his home in Dun Emer Place, Lusk, Co Dublin, on May 13, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 13, 2021 Incident
- May 3 Incident
- 2023-06-21 Publication
Why: Patrick Gageby SC, defending, said O'Donnell was forced to give up work because he suffered from ankylosing spondylitis, causing spinal pain. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing the drug, in herb and resin form, at his home in Dun Emer Place, Lusk, Co Dublin, on May 13, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Orla Crowe backdated the sentence to May 3 this year, when O'Donnell went into custody.
Places mentioned
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