Ashbourne man had €21k worth of cannabis hidden in wardrobe

A Trim Circuit Court judge said he is struggling to find a reason not to give a minimum 10-year prison sentence to an Ashbourne man found in possession of €22,370 worth of cannabis.

This was during the sentence hearing of Paulius Sakscius (26), from Milltown Meadows, Donaghmore, who was charged and pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Garda Sean Lenihan told the court that on 4th October 2024 gardai were on patrol when they identified Mr Saukscius’ vehicle parked at the Maxol service station on Baltrasna Road without active insurance. When Gardai approached with the accused was seen with his then girlfriend acting erratic and there was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

Mr Saukscius and his car were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. Skins used for rolling were found at the footwell and plant like material was in a backpack in the rear of the car, later found to be €1,370 worth of cannabis.

Mr Saukscius was arrested and brought to Ashbourne Garda station. Garda Lenihan told the court when he was informed Gardai intended to search his home address he sunk to his knees and started crying. He told gardai there were drugs in a wardrobe within a coat that was in a Lidl bag.

Garda Lenihan told the court his home was searched and the jacket was found containing labelled plant material, later found to be €21,000 worth of cannabis.

The court heard the accused admitted to being in possession of cannabis during Garda interview, saying he was holding drugs which were to be collected by another person, but didn’t provide further details. He was on bail for two separate possession of drugs charges when the offence took place and has not been to garda attention since this incident.

Mr Saukscius has seven previous convictions, including a conviction on 16th February 2024 for possession of drugs for sale and supply.

Defending Barrister James O’Brien told the court his client has had a drug addiction for over 10 years and during Garda interviews Mr Saukscius said: “I don’t know, I’m disgusted with myself”.

Mr Saukscius took to the stand and told the court he smokes cannabis as a pain relief for stabbing headaches from a medical condition and a back injury he received at 16.

He is currently working full time in landscaping and has a son and step daughter with a new partner, saying to the court he turned his life around and is “trying to be good”. A letter from an addiction rehabilitation service was submitted into court showing he has been attending since September.

“Only my actions can speak louder than the words I am saying," Mr Saukscius said in court.

Judge John Martin said he is struggling to find a reason not to give a minimum 10 years prison sentence in this matter, the charge being a section 15a drugs matter which is for possession of controlled drugs for sale or supply valued at €13,000 or more. It carries a mandatory minimum 10 year prison sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances. Mr Saukscius was remanded in custody until 28th April.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme