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Couple given suspended sentence for storing cannabis worth over €500k must await sentence fate

Summary

In February 2014 the Court of Criminal Appeal reserved judgement on an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecution concerning a wholly suspended seven‑year sentence given to Keith Jervis (36) and Therese Doyle (35) for possession with intent to supply. The couple had pleaded guilty in October 2011 to storing 45 kilograms of cannabis, valued between €320,000 and €550,000, in 15 silver bags in their home at Rosewood Grove, Lucan. Gardaí discovered the drugs in March 2010. The appeal argued that the original sentence was unduly lenient. The DPP's counsel highlighted the early guilty plea, the couple's instructions to each other, and the fact that they were caught red‑handed while knowingly storing drugs for financial gain. The defence counsel argued that mitigating factors – fear of the drug suppliers, lack of knowledge of the drugs' value, and the couple's non‑criminal background – justified the suspended sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Couple given suspended sentence for storing cannabis worth over €500k must await sentence fate. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 2011 Incident
• March 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-02-11 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report