Courts / Cork / Report
'Active' member of drugs trade should never have received suspended sentence, State argues
Summary
The Court of Appeal heard the State's appeal against the fully suspended sentence imposed on Mohamed Adeagbo, a 24‑year‑old from Highfield, Ballincollig, who was caught with 1.6 kg of cocaine worth €114,000, cannabis and €1,530 in cash. Adeagbo pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for sale and to a money‑laundering charge. Judge Helen Boyle sentenced him to three years and six months on the drugs charge, fully suspended, and one year on the money‑laundering charge, also fully suspended. The DPP argued that no wholly exceptional circumstances justified a fully suspended sentence, citing Adeagbo's active role in drug supply, weekly earnings of €500, and possession of an iPhone with incriminating messages. The respondent's counsel highlighted his youth, lack of wealth, and cooperation with probation. The Court will decide on July 29.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Active' member of drugs trade should never have received suspended sentence, State argues. Charges or matters: having cocaine for sale or supply at a time when its street value exceeded €13,000, at his home address on April 25, 2022; a money-laundering charge that on April 22, 2022, at the address at Highfield Park, he possessed the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely €1,530 in cash, while knowing that it was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 25, 2022 Incident
- April 22, 2022 Incident
- July 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-07-14 Publication
Case subjects
Respondent
Charges: having cocaine for sale or supply at a time when its street value exceeded €13,000, at his home address on April 25, 2022; a money-laundering charge that on April 22, 2022, at the address at Highfield Park, he possessed the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely €1,530 in cash, while knowing that it was the proceeds of criminal conduct (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced last November by Judge Helen Boyle to three years and six months on the drugs charge, fully suspended, with one year concurrent on the second charge, also fully suspended. Ms Kelly argued that there were no wholly exceptional circumstances present that could warrant fully suspending this sentence, meaning the sentencing judge fell into error. "This is a store person and a delivery man," said Ms Kelly, adding that the case did not meet the wholly exceptional grounds that would justify the imposition of a fully suspended sentence.
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