Courts / Dublin / Report

Manager (50) avoids jail over storage of amphetamines at Dublin pub

Date
2023-12-12
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Kevin Kelleher, 50, manager of a Dublin pub, pleaded guilty to possession of just under three kilograms of amphetamines, valued at €43,000, found in concealed compartments in the ladies' bathroom and a roof area of a store room. Garda Jamie Greville described a surveillance operation triggered by a tip, with Kelleher identified and arrested after CCTV footage showed him moving the drugs. Kelleher claimed duress and that he was forced to store the drugs. He had no prior convictions and no material wealth. The prosecution argued no evidence of payment, addiction, debt repayment or gang involvement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced to three years, and suspended the entire term on strict conditions, including keeping the peace and good behaviour for five years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Manager (50) avoids jail over storage of amphetamines at Dublin pub. Charges or matters: possession of just under three kilograms of amphetamines, worth €43,000, on February 4, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Kevin Kelleher

Defendant

Charges: possession of just under three kilograms of amphetamines, worth €43,000, on February 4, 2022 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Orla Crowe said the case warranted a headline sentence of four years but reduced that to three years taking into account the remorse Kelleher had demonstrated, the fact that gardaí accept he was acting under duress and that he has "contributed to society in a constructive way".

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report

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