Courts / Dublin / Report
Garda stop and search led to €700k cocaine find
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Stephen Tormey, 39, pleaded guilty to possession of 9 kg of cocaine valued at €702,702 and €2,900 in cash, believed to be proceeds of crime, after a Garda stop and search in Carpenterstown on 3 February. He had six prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan, noting the mandatory minimum of ten years but considering his early guilty plea and cooperation, imposed a headline sentence of eight years. She suspended six months of the sentence, giving a final custodial term of five and a half years, backdated to his arrest. The court considered mitigating factors such as his cooperation, lack of wealth, and his efforts at rehabilitation, while acknowledging the impact on his family. The case was prosecuted by Kate Egan BL and defended by Dominic McGinn SC. The Garda investigation was led by Detective Garda James Doolin, who seized the drugs and cash during the search.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda stop and search led to €700k cocaine find. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine with a value of €702,702 and to cash to the sum of €2,900, which is believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct, in the Carpenterstown area of Dublin on February 3 last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 3 Incident
- 2023-07-27 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: possession of cocaine with a value of €702,702 and to cash to the sum of €2,900, which is believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct, in the Carpenterstown area of Dublin on February 3 last (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Sheahan said she was "concerned" about the impact a lengthy sentence will have on the Tormey's young family. She sentenced Tormey to five and a half years in prison with the final six months suspended.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Clonsilla Road
- Dublin
Topics
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