Louth man began taking drugs after being rescued when fishing boat sank

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A fisherman started taking cocaine after being rescued when the boat he was working on sank, Dundalk Circuit Court has been told.

Adam Thornton (30) ran up €65,000 drugs and gambling debts and was dealing to pay them off.

He was before the court for sentencing having signed guilty pleas to possession and possession for sale or supply of cocaine at an apartment at An Caireal, Donore Road, Drogheda.

Evidence was given that gardaí found the drugs along with cash and a mixing agent in Mr Thornton’s bedroom. He told investigators, “I’m happy now that it’s happened”.

He stated he was no longer taking cocaine nor gambling. Two clear urinalysis reports were submitted.

Sentencing was adjourned until June 4 next.

Gda Leon Fox said that at 2.15pm on January 9, 2025, the door of the apartment was opened to gardaí by another occupant.

In the accused’s bedroom they found a 62.2g bag of €4,538 cocaine, a creatine mixing agent (92g), weighing scales and €250 cash.

Mr Thornton, who has previous convictions under the Road Traffic Act and has not come to attention since, made full admissions.

He revealed that he had a bad cocaine habit, taking up to 3g per day. He had drugs and gambling debts of €40,000 and €25,000 respectively.

He admitted dealing to pay off the drugs debt and said that he was ashamed. He also told gardaí that he knew the effect of drugs on society and expressed remorse in that regard.

Barrister Ronan O’Carroll said that his client, while working as a fisherman, was rescued when the boat sunk. He started taking cocaine.

He led a reckless existence, all down to significant gambling and drugs debts. Gambling was his “biggest vice”.

It was all to pay off debts owed to “more nefarious forces”.

Mr Thornton cared for his father who has Motor Neurone Disease and was in court to support his son.

The defendant had managed to function in various jobs while addicted.

Letters were handed into court, including one from Mr Thornton and another offering painting and decorating work.

Judge Dara Hayes remanded the defendant on continuing bail to June 4 for a probation report and a further 5 clear urinalysis reports.

The judge remarked this was clearly serious offending. Adam Thornton was doing more than holding drugs, he was dealing in a significant quantity.