Courts / Dublin / Report

Panel beater who lost home in recession avoids jail after being caught with heroin three times

Date
2015-11-06

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In November 2015, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the case of Robert Smith, a 37‑year‑old father of seven from Crumlin, who had lost his home during the recession and turned to cocaine. Smith had pleaded guilty to possession of heroin on three occasions – at his home in September 2014, at Sarsfield Road in March 2015 and at Kevin Street Garda station in April 2015. He had been caught with €1,950 worth of heroin in March 2015 and later with €3,000 and €2,700 worth of heroin in March and April 2016, while on bail. Judge Desmond Hogan noted Smith's history as a good father and provider, his financial collapse after work dried up around 2008, and the threats he faced from drug dealers. He imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years, which were suspended in full, and highlighted that Smith was now drug‑free and working to rebuild his life with his wife's support.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Panel beater who lost home in recession avoids jail after being caught with heroin three times. Charges or matters: possession of heroin at his home in September 12, 2014; at Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10 on March 13, 2015 and at Kevin Street garda station on April 3, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

September 12, 2014 Incident
March 13, 2015 Incident
April 3, 2015 Incident
2015-11-06 Publication

Case subjects

Robert Smith

Defendant

Charges: possession of heroin at his home in September 12, 2014; at Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10 on March 13, 2015 and at Kevin Street garda station on April 3, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Hogan imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years which he suspended in full.