Courts / Donegal / Report
'I don't care if he was running from here to Donegal': judge remands athlete in custody over €80k drugs haul
Summary
Richard Kamson, 24, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply at locations in Doughiska and Merlin Woods on September 14, 2021. The court heard that cocaine with a street value of just under €24,000 and cannabis valued at €57,000 were recovered from his bedroom and nearby woods. Although Kamson had no previous convictions and his defense counsel argued he was at low risk of reoffending, the prosecution noted he is currently under investigation for other alleged offences. Judge Brian O'Callaghan stated that Kamson had engaged in the Restorative Justice Programme, claiming he was changing his life and had developed victim awareness. However, the judge noted that Kamson came to the attention of gardai during this period, contradicting the probation report. Rejecting arguments regarding the defendant's athletic achievements, the judge remarked that he did not care if Kamson was running from Galway to Donegal for charity. The judge found that Kamson had committed a serious crime and remanded him in custody. The finalisation of the case was adjourned until June 10 next to allow for additional information from the Probation Service.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'I don't care if he was running from here to Donegal': judge remands athlete in custody over €80k drugs haul. Charges or matters: possession of drugs for sale or supply at locations in Doughiska and Merlin Woods on September 14, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 14, 2021 Incident
- June 10 Adjournment
- 2026-03-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of drugs for sale or supply at locations in Doughiska and Merlin Woods on September 14, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge O'Callaghan said Kamson had been engaging in the Restorative Justice Programme, telling them that he was changing his life and that he had been "taken hugely" after speaking with a former addict and that he now had victim awareness.; He adjourned the sentence until today for additional information from the Probation Service.
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