Athy man (51) fined for sale or supply of cannabis
Photo for illustrative purposes only
“WHEN the name was called I expected a 20-year-old to stand up, not a fiftysomething,” said a judge to a man who was pleading guilty to possession of drugs for purpose of sale or supply and money laundering charges.
Athy District Court heard how gardaí went to the address of Kenneth Chambers (51) in Castle Park, Athy on foot of a search warrant on 30 November 2023, where he discovered three bags of cannabis worth €100 each, and a further €1,030 in cash.
“Who was supplying him?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“We don’t have that information,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan for the state.
“Any previous?” asked the judge.
“Minor road traffic offence going back to 2012,” said the sergeant.
“This man is low level, no trappings of wealth. He is working as a landscape gardener earning €500 a week,” said defending barrister Fergus Fitzgerald Doyle, instructed by solicitor Seamus Taaffe.
"Landscape gardener? On €500 a week? If I was to engage one, I’d be lucky to find one for €500 a day!” said the judge.
“He’s only starting – as an employee, not a contractor – and is living in social housing. There’s no Rolex, this is small-time stuff,” said Mr Fitzgerald Doyle.
“It’s an unusual profile, 51 and married. Is that his wife?” asked the judge, which Mr Fitzgerald Doyle confirmed.
“Are you impressed with him?” the judge asked her.
“No,” came the terse reply.
“You heard me earlier, saying illegal drugs are a scourge on society. You should know better,” said the judge. He then ordered the confiscated money to be donated to the Garda Benevolent Fund, before fining Mr Chambers €500.
