Courts / Cork / Report
Police killer to await sentence fate over biggest drugs seizure in Irish history
Summary
Perry Wharrie, 56, an Englishman, is awaiting a new sentencing decision after a 30‑year prison term was overturned on appeal for his role in Ireland's largest drug seizure. The 2007 haul of €440 million in cocaine was recovered off Dunlough Bay when a rigid inflatable boat, carrying 1.5 tonnes of the drug, sank after its petrol engine was filled with diesel. Wharrie was found guilty of possession for sale or supply by a Cork Circuit Criminal Court jury and sentenced by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin to 30 years imprisonment on 23 July 2008. Two accomplices received 30 and 25 years respectively, while a third who pleaded guilty was jailed for ten years. The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the original sentence was too severe, and a new, lower sentence will be imposed on 15 February. The case highlights the scale of the seizure and the legal process for reviewing sentencing in Ireland. Perry Wharrie pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Police killer to await sentence fate over biggest drugs seizure in Irish history. Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- July 2, 2007 Incident
- July 23 2008 Incident
- February 15th Incident
- 2016-01-11 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: possession of the drugs for sale or supply (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He was unanimously found guilty by a Cork Circuit Criminal Court jury and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on July 23 2008. Two of Wharrie's accomplices, who also pleaded not guilty, were sentenced to 30 years and 25 years respectively for the same offence.
Places mentioned
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