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Suspended sentence for "erratic" driver caught with cannabis
Summary
James Murphy, 37, was stopped by Gardaí for erratic driving and found with €44,712 worth of cannabis in his boot. He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A follow‑up search of his home uncovered an additional €404 of cannabis. Murphy had seven prior convictions, including larceny, traffic offences and drug possession. During the interview he claimed he had smoked a joint two hours earlier and that he was transporting drugs "from A to B" for "bit of weed". Judge Melanie Greally, after a cold analysis of the evidence, imposed a five‑year suspended sentence, noting Murphy's efforts to rehabilitate and his low intellectual functioning. The sentence includes 240 hours of community service and 18 months of engagement with the Probation Service. The hearing also recorded Murphy's admission of debt and his desire to leave the drug habit.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for "erratic" driver caught with cannabis. Charges or matters: having cannabis, valued at €44,712 for sale or supply on Navan Road, Dublin 7 on February 23, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 23, 2014 Incident
- 2016-06-28 Publication
Why: The earlier sentencing hearing heard that Murphy told gardaí he worked as a courier and was in debt because of his drug habit. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: having cannabis, valued at €44,712 for sale or supply on Navan Road, Dublin 7 on February 23, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) A father of four who was caught with over €44,000 worth of cannabis in the boot of his vehicle after gardaí stopped him for "erratic driving" has been given a five year suspended sentence. Judge Greally suspended a five year term on strict conditions including that Murphy carry out 240 hours community service and engage with the Probation Service for 18 months.
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