Courts / Dublin / Report
Drugs offender caught cycling around with €2k in crack and heroin
Summary
Dean Whittaker (33), an appellant with an address in Ballymun, Dublin, has appealed against the severity of his ten-month prison sentence for possessing cocaine and diamorphine for the purpose of unlawful sale and supply, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Whittaker was initially charged with possession of controlled drugs and obstructing or impeding a garda member on March 28, 2023. He was convicted in the District Court and later lodged an appeal. Garda Pierce O'Dwyer testified that Whittaker initially resisted arrest before being restrained and later admitted to dropping off drugs for sale and supply, while possessing a burner phone. Whittaker has 84 previous convictions, including drug-related, assault, and obstruction offences. Defence counsel stated that Whittaker has taken significant steps to change his behaviour, including engaging with the Star Project and the job centre, and has been clean of substances for 12 months. She requested the judge to consider suspending the jail term to provide motivation for Whittaker to turn his life around. Judge Cephas Power noted that the offending was at the 'top end' of the District Court level and was not inclined to interfere with the sentence at this stage. The case was re-mentioned for Whittaker to provide additional letters and urine analysis. The matter was adjourned for further mention in the new court term.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drugs offender caught cycling around with €2k in crack and heroin. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 28, 2023 Incident
- 2026-03-26 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He was sentenced to ten months imprisonment and later lodged an appeal against the severity of that sentence. Defence counsel asked the judge to consider suspending the jail term to give Whittaker motivation in turning things around, and so that the jail sentence would be hanging over him.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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