Man who ‘died four times’ from drug overdoses jailed over €10,000 cocaine haul
The Wicklow PeopleA man who has reportedly nearly died from drug overdoses four times, and pleaded with the court to give him “one final chance to live a normal life” has been jailed, after gardaí uncovered more than €10,000 worth of cocaine
Conor Kavanagh (28), of no fixed abode, formerly of Carnew, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court via video link for sentencing, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply.
Detective Garda John Hall gave evidence that on December 1, 2023, gardaí executed a search warrant at the home of Mr Kavanagh’s girlfriend’s uncle. During the search, gardaí uncovered a bag containing €10,000 worth of cocaine, €2,400 in cash and the accused’s passport.
Mr Kavanagh was not present at the house, but when gardaí made contact with him, he refused to meet them by appointment. Several days later, Mr Kavanagh was located at Midlands Prison and interviewed.
Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly, noted that Mr Kavanagh made certain admissions during interview, but denied having the drugs for sale.
Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) stated the drugs weighed 147.6 grams and were valued at €10,332. The court was told the defendant has 28 previous convictions for drugs, trespassing, blackmail, burglary and obstruction.
Det Gda Hall informed the court that Mr Kavanagh has recently fallen out with his family and has never had gainful employment.
During cross-examination, barrister for the defence, Gregory Murphy, stated that his client’s father died, causing the accused to live a “tumultuous life”, which included his mother being forced to pay off his drug debt.
In mitigation, the court was told Mr Kavanagh is a drug addict who left school at 15.
“Mr Kavanagh has died four times from drug overdoses,” said Mr Murphy.
Mr Kavanagh’s grandfather gave evidence and described his grandson as having had an upsetting childhood and having “got in with the wrong crowd”. He said Mr Kavanagh had been doing well when he was staying with him, but that he eventually had to ask him to leave.
“You do what you do to look after him. Since he has gone into custody, he is sensible, talking and polite,” said Mr Kavanagh’s grandfather.
The accused read a letter to the court in which he outlined his background and personal circumstances.
He described himself as a product of an unstable upbringing, stating he “missed a father figure” and had difficulties with a stepfather. He said he began using cocaine at the age of 16 as a coping mechanism following a bereavement.
Mr Kavanagh said his confidence had been “shattered” and that since coming into custody he has “challenged his core beliefs”, describing access to a drug counsellor as a “true blessing”.
He told the court he wants to start a family with his girlfriend and “raise my future kids”, adding: “I do accept responsibility. I apologise.”
He asked the court to give him “one final chance to live a normal life” and to allow him to engage in drug treatment. The court heard that if the defendant underwent urine urinalysis it would show he had used cannabis, but not cocaine.
In her judgment, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin said she accepted the evidence of the accused’s grandfather and would take him “at his word”.
She described the offence as serious and said drugs are a “plague”, adding that they had destroyed his life and those around him.
The judge noted the case came close to a more serious charge, but did not reach that threshold.
She remarked that “the devil makes work for idle hands” and stated the need for the accused to engage in rehabilitation.
Judge Ní Chúlacháin imposed a sentence of nine months imprisonment, which was backdated to January 2026.