Courts / Cork / Report
English man jailed over €440m cocaine bust seeks Supreme Court appeal
Summary
In 2008, Perry Wharrie, aged 56, was convicted in a Cork Circuit Criminal Court for his role in a failed €440m cocaine smuggling operation off the Irish coast. He received a 30‑year sentence, the longest for a drug offence in the State, which was later reduced to 17½ years on appeal. Wharrie's conviction was upheld after a 42‑day trial, and his appeal was dismissed. He now seeks a new appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that he should not have been charged with sale and supply because the drugs were not destined for Ireland. The Director of Public Prosecutions opposes the application, contending that Wharrie did not admit the drugs were intended for another jurisdiction and that the prosecution must prove intent to supply within Ireland. The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgment on the application, with no decision date announced. Wharrie was not present in court but observed proceedings via video link from prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: English man jailed over €440m cocaine bust seeks Supreme Court appeal. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- July 2, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-07-28 Publication
Why: Credit: Collins) The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgment on an application brought by man convicted for his role in the smuggling of €440m worth of cocaine off the Irish coast, who claims he should not have been convicted for sale and supply because the drugs were not destined for this country. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; In 2008, Perry Wharrie (56) received a 30 year prison sentence – the longest ever handed down in the State for a drugs conviction – for his part in the bungled smuggling attempt at Dunlough Bay, Mizen Head, on July 2, 2007.; Credit: Collins) The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgment on an application brought by man convicted for his role in the smuggling of €440m worth of cocaine off the Irish coast, who claims he should not have been convicted for sale and supply because the drugs were not destined for this country.
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