Courts / Dublin / Report
Vulnerable woman (50) avoids jail over drugs raid
Summary
Annemarie Ruth, a 50‑year‑old woman from Summerhill Parade, Dublin, pleaded guilty on 24 February 2021 to possessing €50,928 worth of cannabis in her home. She has four prior convictions dating back to 2009. In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Sarah Berkeley noted Ruth's full admissions, cooperation with authorities, and her status as a vulnerable person. The judge highlighted that Gardaí had focused on Ruth's then partner at the time of the offence. Ruth entered an early guilty plea, showed remorse, and had previously attempted rehabilitation. Judge Berkeley sentenced her to five years' imprisonment, suspended in full for five years, and imposed 18 months of probation supervision with directions to follow all probation services' instructions. The court did not impose any custodial term, citing that it would serve no service to society to incarcerate a vulnerable woman. The case was prosecuted by John Quirke BL, with Garda Cillian Meyler reporting the search and arrest details.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Vulnerable woman (50) avoids jail over drugs raid. Charges or matters: the possession of a controlled drug in the form of cannabis on February 24, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 24, 2021 Incident
- 2023-10-26 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the possession of a controlled drug in the form of cannabis on February 24, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Sarah Berkeley said she would take into consideration the full admissions made by Ruth, her cooperation with authorities and the fact that the accused was described as "a vulnerable person". She sentenced Ruth to five years in prison but suspended it in full for five years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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