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Businessman jailed for laundering €291k in drugs money
Summary
Stephen Connolly, a 40‑year‑old businessman from Rath Gael, Clondalkin, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four years' imprisonment for laundering €291,790 that he claimed was the proceeds of a drug offence. The money was found rolled and in separate bags during a planned search at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, on 4 May 2017, and Connolly's fingerprints were on the cash. He admitted possession of the money and that he had stored and counted it with his brother, Mark Connolly, who had previously received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for his role. Connolly's defence counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, argued that his client was a family man with mental health issues and was not directing the operation, and presented a heartfelt apology. Judge Martin Nolan noted Connolly's responsibilities as a business owner and family provider before imposing the four‑year term. Stephen Connolly pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Businessman jailed for laundering €291k in drugs money. Charges or matters: possessing €291,790, while knowing or believing it was the proceeds of crime at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, on May 4, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 4, 2017 Incident
- May 2017 Incident
- 2025-04-03 Publication
Why: He explained that the offence had been carried out eight years ago and that, since then, the defendant had continued to provide for his family and employed a number of staff members in his businesses. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing €291,790, while knowing or believing it was the proceeds of crime at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, on May 4, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: His brother, Mark Connolly, with an address at Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, was previously jailed for two and a half years for his part in the crime. Counsel noted that, as is often an unintended consequence of criminal activity, his client's imprisonment would cause stress and strain on the innocent members of Connolly's family.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Harelawn Park
Topics
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