Courts / Dublin / Report
Father of one with a "myriad of medical conditions" avoids jail over cocaine possession
Summary
Damien Wilson, 47, a father of one with chronic health problems, was arrested after a Garda raid on his Clondalkin home following a surveillance operation. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Chaplin's Place on 10 October 2014. The cocaine, valued at €58,086, was found in a backpack under the stairs, together with other drug paraphernalia and a list of clients. Wilson admitted receiving the drugs by courier the previous week, weighing and bagging them before leaving them outside his front door for collection, and said he was paid €100 per week. He refused to name other participants, citing fear for his safety and that of his partner and child. Judge Martin Nolan, citing Wilson's myriad medical conditions—chronic heart failure, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and back pain—sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended in full.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father of one with a "myriad of medical conditions" avoids jail over cocaine possession. Charges or matters: possession of the drug for sale or supply at Chaplin's Place on October 10, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 10, 2014 Incident
- 2015-10-28 Publication
Why: Wilson refused to name the other people involved because he said he was in fear for his safety and that of his partner and young child. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of the drug for sale or supply at Chaplin's Place on October 10, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan said it was primarily due to Wilson's "myriad of medical conditions" which include chronic heart failure, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and back pain that he felt it would be unjust to impose an immediate custodial sentence. Judge Nolan sentenced Wilson to three years in prison which he suspended in full.
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