Courts / Galway / Report

Five-year sentence 'disproportionate' for money launderer with links to 'Scourge of Sligo', lawyers argue

Date
2025-06-23

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Tuam

County
Galway

Summary

A 27-year-old man from County Galway has brought an appeal against his five-year sentence for money laundering, contending the term was disproportionate. Brian Cummins, Balgaddy Road, Tuam, pleaded guilty to money laundering contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. He was sentenced to seven years with the final two suspended at Galway Circuit Court in July 2024. The Court of Appeal heard that Cummins had connections to organised crime figure Barry Young, who was convicted of directing a criminal organisation. Cummins facilitated a €1,000 transfer to an account nominated by Young following criminal damage to a house in Tuam in October 2019. Defence counsel argued the sentence was excessive given the modest sum involved and Cummins' limited involvement with the criminal enterprise. The Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the appeal, stating the judge had exercised proper discretion. Justice Tara Burns indicated judgment would be reserved until 14 July.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Five-year sentence 'disproportionate' for money launderer with links to 'Scourge of Sligo', lawyers argue. Charges or matters: directing a criminal organisation and was sentenced to 12 years in prison with the final year suspended. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

July 19, 2024 Incident
December 2019 Incident
October 2019 Other
November 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
July 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
October 3, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
October 16, 2019 Incident
November 6, 2019 Other
July 14 Hearing Or Sentence
2025-06-23 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed 27-year-old

Appellant

Charges: directing a criminal organisation and was sentenced to 12 years in prison with the final year suspended (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two years suspended by Judge Brian O'Callaghan at Galway Circuit Court on July 19, 2024. Father-of-two Young, with a previous address at Geldof Drive, Cranmore, Co Sligo, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation and was sentenced to 12 years in prison with the final year suspended.