Judge stops Louth drug dealer withdrawing appeal and increases sentence
The Drogheda IndependentA 27-year-old man has had the sentence he received in the district court increased after a judge refused to allow him withdraw his appeal against severity.
Lee Wade, The Park, Highlands, Drogheda, received a four-month jail term for possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Aura Leisure Centre, Drogheda, on March 19, 2020.
When the appeal was called at Dundalk Circuit Court, his counsel said that he wished to withdraw it.
Judge Dara Hayes asked why should he allow that.
He said that Mr Wade didn't engage with the Probation Service. The appellant claimed he got no notification of an appointment when it was made with him sitting in the probation officer’s office.
Counsel said that Mr Wade’s mother was present. She instructed that her son was working and trying to engage with the Probation Service.
His priorities were “listed in the wrong order”.
The barrister admitted it was trying the court’s patience to look for a third report.
Judge Hayes said that according to a report the appellant was working on a casual basis.
He claimed he missed an appointment because he wasn't told about it.
The judge said that he won’t allow a withdrawal of the appeal.
He added that the €1,200 value of the drugs was at “the upper end” for the district court.
The four-month sentence was increased to eight months, the final four months suspended.