Courts / Dublin / Report
'Sad' case of man who held €30k in prescription drugs after home targeted by 'juvenile delinquents'
Summary
Robert Hanratty, 48, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 15,680 zopiclone tablets, valued at €32,200, found in his home and a location in Ballymun. He claimed he held the drugs to deter attacks by "juvenile delinquents" who had targeted his residence, and that he would receive a small payment. Hanratty has four prior minor convictions unrelated to drugs and does not use drugs, though he struggles with alcohol. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer presented a psychological report detailing Hanratty's mental health issues, low mood, and heavy alcohol consumption, describing him as a "hapless" and "sad" man. The judge, Orla Crowe, deemed the case unusual and adjourned sentencing to 8 November to consider the circumstances.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Sad' case of man who held €30k in prescription drugs after home targeted by 'juvenile delinquents'. Charges or matters: possession of zopiclone tablets at his home and a location in Ballymun for sale or supply on January 6, 2023. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- January 6, 2023 Incident
- November 8 Adjournment
- 2024-10-21 Publication
Why: A "hapless character" said he was holding over €30,000 worth of sleeping tablets because his home had been targeted by "juvenile delinquents" and he was told the attacks would stop if held the drugs, a court has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of zopiclone tablets at his home and a location in Ballymun for sale or supply on January 6, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Orla Crowe said it was an unusual case and adjourned sentencing until November 8 to allow her consider the case.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision
Related court reports
- Man withdraws appeal after telling court it 'wouldn't make a difference'
- Teen with 30 convictions who stamped on assault victim's head is jailed
- Six years for on-bail offender who fractured homeless man's skull in 'cowardly' attack
- On-bail teen offender fractured homeless man's skull in unprovoked assault
- Detective tells court of 'deeply harrowing' experience of being strangled at halting site
- Violent 'monster' jailed for repeatedly kicking former partner in the head
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request