Louth student avoids prison sentence for storing and dealing drugs

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 21-year-old man who got involved in the drugs’ trade to fund his college education has avoided prison when his case was finalised at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Josh Cole, Townley Manor, Tullyallen, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home address, charges which stemmed from a Garda search which yielded cannabis worth more than €30,000 and cocaine valued €299.

Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to two concurrent terms of three-and-a-half years and suspended both for three-and-a-half years.

Last April, the court heard that the defendant is studying Music and Computer Science at Maynooth University. He had been struggling for money after failing first year and having to pay full fees.

He was holding most of the drugs for someone else. He was given money and some drugs to sell himself as payment for storing them. He was aged 19 at the time.

Gda Emma Kilroe testified that on July 25, 2023, gardaí searched Mr Cole’s home at Townley Manor where he lived with his brother and sister.

In an upstairs bedroom a sports bag was found. It contained 1.51kg of cannabis valued €30,228 and 4.27g of cocaine worth €299.32. Gardaí also discovered a weighing scale and bags.

The accused was present at the search and following his arrest made admissions during interview at Drogheda Garda Station. He wouldn’t name other people involved.

There were no previous convictions, nor had he come to adverse attention since.

It was submitted by counsel that the accused had been prevailed upon to hold these drugs for ‘more sinister elements in the community’.

The case had been put back to allow him complete exams.

On the adjourned date the court had 11 urinalysis reports from January 9 last to July 3 and all were negative, as well as the defendant’s exam results.

Judge Hayes said that the Probation Service had assessed Mr Cole at low risk of reoffending.

A report noted that he was the youngest of three children, worked part-time in a local shop and had strong ties to his church.

The judge remarked that by any measure it was a substantial quantity of drugs. The defendant had been dealing to a small scale as well as storing drugs.

He remained a very young man. There was a very positive probation report and testimonials.

Judges Hayes said that an immediate custodial sentence was not required.