Courts / Ireland / Report

Ex-British soldier's offending began when he returned from Afghanistan and Iraq , court hears

Date
2026-01-20

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of seven defendants to Monday, March 23, with Ms Justice Karen O'Connor remanding all in custody until that date. Gary Monks, Miljan Koprivica, Conor Costello, Ryan Watson, Hanz Pangahin, Christopher Ampo, and Feljon Lao have all pleaded guilty to conspiring to import controlled drugs with a value exceeding €13,000 between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025. The court heard that the group operated as structured cells, with three Filipino crew members transporting cocaine from the Amazon region to Co Clare, while the other four, including Monks, formed a UK-based landing cell tasked with collecting the drugs for transport to Co Kerry. Defence counsel for Monks, a former British soldier, argued he was not at the upper echelons of the organisation and suffered from PTSD stemming from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Counsel stated Monks began abusing drugs and alcohol after returning to Scotland, leading to his involvement in the offence. A probation report noted Monks is at high risk of reoffending in the generic sense over the next 12 months. The matter was adjourned, and no final sentence was imposed at this stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ex-British soldier's offending began when he returned from Afghanistan and Iraq , court hears. Charges or matters: conspiring with others to import controlled drugs with a value exceeding €13,000 between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025, both within and outside the State. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

December 18, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
January 15, 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
Monday, March 23 Adjournment
2026-01-20 Publication