Stephen Leech jailed for cannabis possession at Dublin court

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Stephen Leech was sentenced to six years in prison for possessing cannabis for sale or supply at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 8 May 2024. He also admitted possessing €3,500 in cash as the proceeds of crime.

Leech pleaded guilty to the cannabis charge. The offences concerned more than 31kg of cannabis concealed in almond pallets and a cash seizure at Kincade, Shielmartin Road, Sutton, on 5 May 2023.

Judge Martin Nolan said Leech was the holder, receiver and transporter of the drugs, but had low culpability because third parties had imposed upon him. The report said he had substantial mitigation, including an early plea, full cooperation, work history, family background and references.

The defence said Leech had a drug debt of about €7,000 and had started using drugs at 16. The report said he had since dealt with his addiction, was employed and volunteered with the Simon Community. The proceedings were reported on 8 May 2024.