Convicted murderer admitted storing €70k worth of cocaine in Batterstown lock-up

A convicted murderer who is serving a life sentence for shooting and killing his brother-in-law was given three and a half years in prison after admitting to Gardai over €70,000 worth of cocaine was being stored in a Batterstown lock-up.

Christopher Devine (44), from 77 Convent Lawns, Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was in Trim Circuit Court charged with possession of drugs for sale and supply.

In January of 2022 Mr Devine was arrested on suspicion of murder against his late brother-in-law Michael Tormey. The court heard he was part of a drug gang with Mr Tormey and while detained by Gardai he told them the location of a large quantity of drugs.

On 13th January 2022 a lockup being rented out to the accused at Culcommon, Batterstown, was searched. It contained two vehicles modified to have a concealed compartment in their booth and a horse box with its own hidden compartment. 1 kilogram of cocaine valued at €70,125 was found with plastic wrapping, a hydraulic press, and a respirator mask.

Mr Devine was questioned regarding the drugs and equipment but denied having any knowledge or involvement in them despite previously indicating to Gardaí that drugs were in this location.

The accused has 15 previous convictions, most recently on 19th December last year for the murder of Michael Tormey on 9th January 2022 which he is serving a life sentence for.

Barrister SC Kathleen Leader told the court her client’s alcohol and cocaine dependency led to his life descending into chaos and for both his current charge and the murder of the late Mr Tormey.

SC Leader said “the sentence imposed today won't have real bearing on my client’s future,” due to his life sentence.

Judge John Martin said this charge is part and parcel with his murder conviction due to Mr Devine and Mr Tormey working together in a drug gang and the “breakdown as we'd say in that relationship”.

Judge Martin said “hopefully you're using your time in custody to de-escalate that chaos and get your life back on track”.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme