Man receives fine for possession of cocaine worth €3,000
“He is committed to living a substance-free life," said Mr Begley's barrister Photo: Aisling Hyland
A MAN found guilty of possession of over €3,000 worth of cocaine avoided a jail sentence last week (8 September) after the judge accepted his bona fides on how he was dealing with his addiction.
Adam Begley (34), of Riverview Close, Tullow Road, Carlow appeared in Athy District Court for sentencing.
He had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply an estimated €3,250 worth of cocaine at his then address in Clonmullion, Athy on 3 July 2024 following a garda search.
“Who was he dealing to?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“I don’t have that information,” said Sergeant Ruth Coleman. “But he admitted to mixing the cocaine with Benzedrine and bagging it.”
She added: “He admitted to cutting it.”
The sergeant told the court that Mr Begley had two previous convictions, one of which was for drug possession, and had previously served six months in prison for an undisclosed offence, handed down from Carlow District Court on 15 December 2015.
“He was in active addiction at the time of this arrest, and has dealt with it,” said defending barrister Hugo Mills.
“In the last 18 months he hasn’t taken any,” he added.
Mr Mills handed two letters into Judge Desmond Zaidan, one from Merchant’s Quay Ireland, and one from a local addiction facility – the South East Cocaine Addiction Service.
“He’s got a job on the CE scheme, and I also have a letter from his supervisor,” said Mr Mills.
“He is committed to living a substance-free life, and he’s back living in Carlow with his mother.
“I believe a custodial sentence would be deleterious to his rehabilitation.
“He has not come to garda notice since and has taken no drugs since.” Mr Mills suggested: “It’s no small thing to ask, but if it is to be a custodial sentence that you might suspended it?” “There is a temptation there to impose a sentence,” began the judge.
“We’ve all seen the damage drugs can do to families, and I have to send out a message.
“However, this man has been in a unique situation, and for the last 18 months has been drug-free with the help of the South East Cocaine Addiction Service.
“Reluctantly, I am giving him a chance, but there will be a sting in the tail.
“I’m putting him on a peace bond for 12 months. Therefore, if your seen urinating on the street or stepping over the line, I will send you to jail.” Judge Zaidan fined Mr Begley €1,200 and ordered the destruction of the contraband
