Wicklow man found with samurai sword and ketamine jailed for 26 months
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man has been sentenced at Bray District Court after being found in possession of ketamine and weapons, and obstructing gardaí during the execution of a search warrant.
Fran Treacy (51), of Bray, Co. Wicklow, appeared at Bray District Court for sentencing. He is charged with possession of alprazolam, possession of cannabis and ketamine for the purpose of sale or supply, as well as possession of ketamine for personal use.
The court also heard that he is further charged with possession of a knife or sharply pointed article, possession of an article with a blade, and knowingly permitting the production and preparation of a controlled drug on his property.
Mr Treacy is additionally charged with obstructing gardaí by blocking entry during the execution of a search warrant, as well as two separate counts of failing to appear in court while on bail.
The court was told that at 5:50pm on August 10, 2023, Mr Treacy was found in possession of a samurai sword and a Stanley blade.
The charge of obstructing gardaí during the execution of a search warrant relates to an incident previously dealt with at Circuit Court level.
Garda Alex O’Hanlon of Bray Garda Station testified that gardaí had executed a search warrant at Mr Treacy’s home. On arrival, gardaí announced themselves, but received no reply and were forced to breach the front door. After gaining entry, it was discovered that a wardrobe had been pushed against the inside of the door, blocking access.
During the search, gardaí uncovered 62 grams of ketamine valued at €3,770, 123 grams of cocaine valued at €8,600, and €25 worth of cannabis. Mr Treacy received a three-year sentence in October, plus a further three and a half years for a vicious assault on a man with a wheel brace.
Counsel for the defence, Brendan Maloney, explained that Mr Treacy had turned to drugs and since then his life “has gone to pot”. The court heard that the defendant began smoking cannabis before becoming addicted to cocaine and harder substances.
It was alleged that Mr Treacy’s home was being used by an unknown criminal element to sell drugs.
The defendant remarked: “Have you not given me enough time?”
Judge David Kennedy handed down a sentence of 26 months on all charges and issued a €750 fine for the possession of drugs.