Courts / Dublin / Report
Grandfather with 'stellar' army career avoids jail over cannabis possession
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 searching his Dublin 15 home found 608 g of cannabis worth €13,608, €3,110 in cash, drug paraphernalia, a ticklist and a burner phone. Callaghan accepted responsibility for the drugs but denied selling them, claiming the cash was savings. He has one prior road‑traffic conviction. Judge Orla Crowe, after hearing evidence, imposed a headline sentence of four years but reduced it to three years, citing mitigating factors such as his age, family and unblemished record. The three‑year term was suspended for five years on strict conditions. The court noted the serious consequences of drug dealing for victims and society.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grandfather with 'stellar' army career avoids jail over cannabis possession. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 19, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 19, 2022 Incident
- 2025-05-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 19, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Derek Callaghan (65) a chance (Picture:Collins) By Eimear Dodd and Sonya McLean A grandfather who had a "stellar career in the army" has been given a three-year suspended sentence for possession of over €13,000 of cannabis. She said a headline sentence of four years was justified in the case, but reduced it to three years, having taken account of the mitigating features of the case. "I am going to give this man a chance," Judge Crowe said before she suspended that three-year term for five years on strict conditions.
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