Kildare defendant talks of Weetabix in court
New judge in Dungarvan. Stock Image.
A MAN serving time in prison did not get sentence extended despite being found guilty of possession with intent to supply cocaine, after discussing the merits of an Irish breakfast with the judge.
Thomas Kavanagh (43), with an address at Ann Street, Prosperous was appearing in Naas District Court by videolink from prison were he is serving a two and a half years for an unrelated conviction.
Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told the court how Kavanagh had been found at an address in Prosperous on 5 December, 2021 with €840 worth of cocaine and a further €955 in cash, which has already been forfeited to the State.
He was also summonsed for a hit and run in November 2021, at a time when he was disqualified from driving.
Sgt Hanrahan told the court that Kavanagh had 64 previous convictions, 26 of them for road traffic offences, four for having no insurance, and three driving bans.
“What was his longest [ban]?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“In 2011 he was disqualified for seven years, and in 2020 he was banned for six years,” said the sergeant.
“Essentially, Mr Kavanagh is looking down the barrel of a two and a half year sentence,” began his solicitor Tim Kennelly.
“But he is looking good, and seems to have put on weight,” he added.
“What are they feeding you? “ asked the judge.
“Oh, the best food!” said Kavanagh.
“Do you get an Irish breakfast?” asked Judge Zaidan.
“Weetabix is an Irish breakfast,” declared Kavanagh.
Changing the subject, Mr Kennelly reverted to his mitigation.
“My client has decided he has had enough of in and out of prison,” he said.
“I’m confident he will continue his clean living, and contribute to society.
“I’d plead with you judge, not to make this [sentence] consecutive,” he asked.
“You told me you got two and a half years in the Circuit Court recently,” said the judge “Two and a half years is severe enough, so I’ll sentence him to 20 months from today,” he ruled.
“The judge has done you a great favour, giving you a year and 10 months [sic; it’s really a year and eight months] which will not add anything to your sentence,” said Mr Kennelly.
“What will you get on Christmas Day?” asked the judge, returning to the dining topic.
“Oh, we’ll get turkey and ham,” said Kavanagh.
