Courts / Dublin / Report

Grandfather with 'stellar' army career had €13k worth of cannabis in house

Summary

Derek Callaghan, 65, a former army officer with a "stellar" career, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on 19 January 2022. Gardaí searched his home in Ashfield Grove, Huntstown, Dublin 15, and seized 608 g of cannabis valued at €13,608, €3,110 in cash, drug paraphernalia, a ticklist and a burner phone. Callaghan accepted responsibility for the drugs but denied selling them, insisting the cash was his savings. He also denied that he had sold drugs from his address. He has one prior road‑traffic conviction. His defence counsel, Carol Doherty, highlighted his unblemished record, his army service, his family, and the pressure he faced, and requested that the court consider a non‑custodial sentence. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for finalisation later this month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Grandfather with 'stellar' army career had €13k worth of cannabis in house. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 19, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 19, 2022 Incident
• 2025-05-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report