Louth decorator warned of ‘strong possibility’ of jail term after fingerprints linked him to drugs find
A 46-year-old painter/decorator has been warned of the “strong possibility” of a jail term when his sentence hearing was adjourned.
Gregory Shannon, Afton Drive, Greenacres, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply.
The circuit court heard that fingerprint evidence linked him to a haul of more than €30,000 drugs discovered at another house in Dundalk.
It was stated on the defendant’s behalf that the incident occurred seven years ago. His life was different now with a third child on the way.
Gda Ryan Brennan said that the home of a co-accused at Riverside Drive, Red Barns Road, was searched on June 4, 2019.
Six deals of cannabis were found in a washing machine outside, and 6 vacuum packs in a shed along with 7 further deals. The drugs weighed 1.563kg with a value of €31,267.
Two weighing scales and plastic cuttings were found in the kitchen.
Gda Brennan said that Mr Shannon was forensically linked to the find by way of fingerprints on the plastic cuttings in the kitchen and on the six deals in the washing machine. The cuttings were linked to others in the shed.
The defendant has 16 previous convictions, including for possession of drugs for sale or supply.
Last June, his co-accused, who had no previous convictions, received a three-and-a-half year sentence, the final two years and three months suspended.
A psychological report was handed into court on behalf of Mr Shannon along with a letter of apology and another letter concerning an ear infection he has.
There was also a reference from a local football club for which he fundraises.
Barra McGrory SC said it was seven years since the incident and that it had been weighing heavily on his client.
A father of two, his life is different. His partner is expecting their third child.
He earns €500 per-week as a painter/decorator and is experiencing financial hardship.
The son of a Garda and a legal secretary, Mr McGrory continued that Gregory Shannon developed a cannabis dependency which was now “reasonably under control”.
Judge Dara Hayes remanded the defendant on continuing bail to October 12 for a probation report.
He said there was a “strong possibility” of a custodial element to the sentence.