Meath man avoids jail for money laundering and drugs offences

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 20-year-old labourer found with drugs and a significant amount of cash at his home, has avoided a jail sentence.

Eoghan Bissett, Mill Drive, Glasheen, Stamullen, Co. Meath, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possession and possession for sale or supply of cannabis, and to a money laundering charge in respect of a sum of more than €4,000.

Drogheda Court heard that the defendant had a drugs habit at the time but had since got a job and turned his life around.

Judge Nicola Andrews expressed concern at the amount of money, and after hearing that the defendant was suitable for community service, directed that he complete 120 hours in lieu of four months imprisonment on the Section 15 drugs charge.

Court presenter Sgt John O’Hehir said that on May 3, 2024, at Mill Drive, Gardaí seized €154.72 cannabis, €4,210 cash, a tick list and bagging for drugs.

Mr Bissett, who had no source of income at the time, refused to give officers the PIN for his mobile phone.

Barrister Pearse Collins said that the defendant began smoking cannabis at 14 and had a reliance on the drug at the time of this offending.

He accepted full responsibility and was very remorseful. It was a relatively low value of cannabis.

Mr Bissett had turned over a new leaf. He was working as a labourer and had a “substantial amount” of money to offer.

"I’m concerned he had that amount of cash on him and deal bags,” Judge Andrews remarked as she made an order as outlined.

The money laundering and possession of drugs charges were taken into consideration.