Courts / Galway / Report

Suspended 4-year drugs sentence found "unduly lenient" is replaced by suspended 2-year sentence

Summary

Warren Bowen, a 48‑year‑old South African man living in The Palms, Kinvara, was found guilty of possessing €37,100 worth of cannabis for sale or supply at his home on 19 October 2011. He pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court and was originally given a wholly suspended four‑year sentence on 27 February 2014 by Judge Rory MacCabe. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was "unduly lenient". The Court of Appeal, hearing the case on 30 July 2015, imposed a new two‑year sentence but suspended it in full. Judge John Edwards cited Bowen's continued good behaviour, the stressful waiting period for the appeal decision, and the re‑establishment of his relationship with his 13‑year‑old daughter as reasons for the suspension. Bowen was required to enter a €100 bond to keep the peace during the suspended period and confirmed he would comply.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended 4-year drugs sentence found "unduly lenient" is replaced by suspended 2-year sentence. Charges or matters: possession of €37,100 worth of cannabis for sale or supply at his home on October 19 2011. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 19 2011 Incident
• February 27 2014 Incident
• February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-07-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report