Community service for Dublin street vendor who had 150,000 counterfeit cigarettes in van

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 50-year-old street vendor who told Gardaí that he had cleaning products in the back of a van has been given community service instead of jail after it transpired that 15 boxes in the vehicle contained 150,000 cigarettes without the required tax stamps.

Garrett Thomas (50), Islandbridge, Kilmainham, Dublin, pleaded guilty to attempting to keep tobacco products for sale or supply on December 5, 2020.

He drew the attention of Gardaí as he appeared unfamiliar with the area, and when stopped at Junction 18 of the M1, north of Dundalk, he said that he had been to Newry for Christmas lights but didn’t buy anything.

Asked what was in the van he replied cleaning products. Officers found 15 sealed boxes containing 150,000 cigarettes valued €105,000. Between Excise Duty and VAT the loss to the State would have been over €82,000.

Dundalk Circuit Court heard that Mr Thomas, who has no previous convictions, nor has he come to adverse attention since, was generally cooperative but exercised his right to silence when interviewed by Customs officers.

Defence counsel said that his client has always worked as a street vendor and in his family's salvage yard.

The father of two was a full-time carer for his mother.

At an adjourned sentence hearing it was confirmed that the defendant had donated €1,000 to each of St Gerard’s AC in Dundalk and Turas Counselling Service.

Judge Dara Hayes said that aggravating factors in the case were the quantity of cigarettes and the consequent significant loss to the State of Excise Duty and VAT.

The circuit court took into account Mr Thomas’s plea of guilty and remorse which he had demonstrated with two charitable donations.

Judge Hayes directed the defendant to complete 240 hours community service within 18 months in lieu of a 21-month prison sentence.