‘I don’t want to be in and out of jail coming up to 50,' defendant tells judge

A DEFENDANT told a judge: “I don’t want to be in and out of jail coming up to 50.”

Martin T Carroll from Shercock, Cootehill, Cavan was before Trim District Court on Tuesday for possessing illegal tablets.

The charge arose when a garda on patrol observed the defendant acting suspiciously on 2nd February last. The garda stopped and searched him, and seized benzodiazetine tablets, the court heard.

The value of the tablets was €600 approximately. The defendant was arrested on suspicion of possessing them for the purpose of sale or supply. The defendant said they were for his own use.

The Judge was told that the defendant had 56 previous convictions, which included eight for possession of drugs.

Barrister James O’Brien said the defendant was in custody since 28th July. He suffered from a significant addiction and homeless problems. He asked to allow the defendant receive assistance and help him from re-offending.

The defendant apologised and pleaded with the judge that he was a 47-year-old man “who should know better. My kids shouldn’t have to put up with me being in prison.” He had got clean from drugs in his time in custody. He vowed to the Judge she’d never see him in court again.

Judge Cronin imposed a six-month prison sentence on the defendant which she back dated to when he entered custody. She said she would suspend the remainder of the sentence, subject to him engaging with the addiction recovery service and the probation and welfare service.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme