Courts / Dublin / Report
Soccer coach jailed for cannabis possession
Summary
Josh Tierney, a 22-year-old soccer coach from Balbriggan, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at an address in north Balbriggan on May 31, 2024. The prosecution alleged that gardai seized several bags of suspected cannabis, valued at €17,673, during a search warrant execution. Tierney admitted to possessing the drugs to pay a debt owed to a relative. Judge Jonathan Dumphy noted that while the case reached the custodial sentence threshold, exceptional circumstances allowed for a departure from the mandatory ten-year minimum. The judge considered aggravating factors, including the seriousness of the charge, Tierney's previous convictions, and a moderate risk of reoffending, alongside mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and admissions. Testimonials described Tierney as a valuable member of Balbriggan Football Club. The court sentenced Tierney to two years and nine months in prison, suspending the final eighteen months for two years. Consequently, he will serve fifteen months in custody. Additionally, Tierney was placed under the supervision of probation services for two years post-release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Soccer coach jailed for cannabis possession. Charges or matters: possession of drugs for sale or supply at an address in north Balbriggan on May 31, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 31, 2024 Incident
- 2025-12-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of drugs for sale or supply at an address in north Balbriggan on May 31, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Testimonials for Tierney were handed into the court, which described him as a "valuable member of Balbriggan Football Club as both a player and a coach." A probation report outlined that Tierney was at moderate risk of reoffending but highlighted that he is a suitable person for probation supervision. He said this case does reach the custodial sentence threshold and sentenced Tierney to two years and nine months in prison, but suspended the final eighteen months for two years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Westbrook Avenue
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
Topics
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