Louth plumber has drugs sentence adjourned until after his wedding

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 37-year-old plumber who pleaded guilty to drug dealing has had sentencing adjourned until after his wedding next year.

Darren Shevlin, Racecourse Meadows, Racecourse Road, Dundalk, was warned of the possibility of a jail sentence.

He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of over €15,000 cannabis at his then address more than three years ago.

The circuit court heard that he had a daily cocaine habit at the time. He had self-referred for counselling.

Mr Shevlin was a football coach and had since been promoted at work.

Det Gda Kate Brady said that on June 22, 2022, Gardaí arrived to search the accused’s house at Meadow View, Avondale Park, Dundalk.

He opened the door and told officers that there was “weed” in a garden shed.

At the rear of the shed they found a green plant wrapped in plastic, further plant-like material, two weighing scales and clear empty vacuum-packed bags.

In the house there was €650 in a green money box and €1,065 in a clear lunch box in a kitchen cupboard.

Det Gda Brady continued that more drugs he did not tell them about were discovered in bins at the side of the property.

The total haul amounted to 758g of cannabis valued €15,166.78.

At the scene before arrest and in a cautioned memo, Mr Shevlin admitted ownership of everything before giving a “no comment” interview during his detention.

There were 31 previous convictions, among them four for Section 15 possession of drugs for sale or supply and two for assault.

Letters and references were available from Turas Counselling Service, a football club, Mr Shevlin’s employer and his sponsor at Narcotics Anonymous.

Barrister Donough McDonough, instructed by solicitor Peter Lavery, said that the defendant valued the drugs at €5,000.

At the time he was “severely addicted”, taking cocaine daily and had a drugs debt. He was spending €400 per-week on drugs.

He was in a steady relationship and a father and planned to get married on February 15, 2026, which Mr Mc Donough said might appear presumptuous on his part.

Mr Shevlin had been promoted to supervisor at work which was mostly on sites in Dublin.

He was also a local football coach and but for his involvement the club would not have been able to participate in that under-age league.

He had missed urinalysis appointments on occasion and did “fall off the wagon” but was back sober.

Judge Dara Hayes remarked that relevant previous convictions, even though of some antiquity, were a concern.

The judge said he would adjourn sentence to February 27 next to allow the defendant to get married and to demonstrate his resolve.

There should be 8 clear urinalysis reports, at least one following Christmas and at least one following the wedding.

The court requested a probation report and warned of “the possibility of a custodial outcome”.