Courts / Dublin / Report

Man wrongly labelled "rat" jailed for possessing drugs

Summary

Damien Halpin, 29, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of €17,318 of cocaine and for assault causing harm at Gibson Hotel. He pleaded guilty to both offences. The court noted that he had previously fled to Australia in 2011 after being labelled a "rat" by graffiti and that his home was shot at. In Australia he was convicted of arson, assault and being armed with intent in 2015, served one year in New South Wales, and was deported to Ireland in January 2016. Judge Melanie Greally accepted his admissions about the drugs, his chaotic lifestyle, and his positive attitude in custody, but imposed consecutive sentences totaling six years, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. The case also highlighted 21 prior convictions for traffic and public‑order offences.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man wrongly labelled "rat" jailed for possessing drugs. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 2012 Incident
• October 31, 2009 Adjournment
• December 12, 2010 Incident
• January 2016 Incident
• March 2011 Adjournment
• December 2010 Incident
• Christmas Incident
• 2016-07-27 Publication

Why: She said he got in over his head because of a drug debt arising out of his addiction. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report