Meath apprentice electrician caught with deal bags of cannabis on Bettystown Beach

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 20-year-old man found himself in a situation he couldn’t get out of because of a drugs debt, Drogheda Court has been told.

Seán Corr, The Rise, Inse Bay, Laytown, Co. Meath, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possession and possession for sale or supply of cannabis at Bettystown Beach on July 18 last.

His solicitor said that it has been impressed upon him the jeopardy he had placed himself in as a result of this offending.

Putting the case back for a probation report, Judge Stephanie Coggans remarked that she was concerned about the nature of the offence.

Evidence was given that members of the local Garda Drugs Unit saw a male drop what turned out to be 10 deal bags of €875 cannabis on the beach.

Solicitor Paul Moore said that his client, an apprentice electrician, was in a situation he couldn’t get out of over a debt. This was a naive undertaking on his behalf which he regretted.

He knew he had jeopardised his future. This had been impressed upon him by his parents who were in court along with a close family friend.

References from a football club and Mr Corr’s employer were handed in.

He had €500 to offer to The Red Door Project in recognition of the harm drugs do.

Mr Moore continued that the defendant was highly unlikely to be before the court again.

From a good family, he may need Garda vetting in his line of work.

The solicitor asked the judge to consider applying the Probation Act.

Judge Coggans remanded Seán Corr on continuing bail to November 17 for a probation report.

Noting he was on legal aid, she said that it “shouldn’t be up to the State to pay for this. He could pay his own bill.”