This article is from page 19 of the 2009-05-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
A MAN convicted of drug dealing — for the second time — in Shannon has been handed a jail term. Father-of-three John Paul Meaney (30), of Cluain Airne, Shannon, ad- mitted possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply and posses- sion of cocaine, at his home on June
6, 2008.
Garda Pat Harte told Shannon District Court that he carried out a search of the accused’s home, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and met the accused at the door.
“He immediately brought me to the kitchen and produced a lump of white powder. He admitted the pow- der was cocaine,” he said.
He said that 14.87g¢ of cocaine, along with a silver weighing scales and small plastic bags, were found. He gave €47/0 to the garda, which he admitted was the proceeds of drug ler Nba atee
Gda Harte said the cocaine was valued at €1,200.
The court heard the accused has a previous conviction, in 2001, for the
sale or supply of drugs. A suspended sentence had been handed down on that occasion, in the circuit court. Defending solicitor Caitriona Car- mody said her client had been before the courts nine years ago, having suffered from addiction problems at the time. “He was a cocaine addict. Unfortunately there was a relapse. It was in those circumstances that
he built up debts and he arrived at these circumstances. He was very small-scale engaged in the selling of CTU UTA MAMES) OLoeCT- BOR
Judge Joseph Mangan noted that the accused has a previous conviction for a similar offence and imposed a 10- month jail term.
He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.