This article is from page 16 of the 2012-10-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
AN Ennis teenager found to have been selling cannabis to his friends was fortunate to have been caught by the gardaí, a court has heard.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Anthony McNamara (18), with an address at 14 Sean Dun, Tulla Road, Ennis pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and having the drug for sale or supply on February 13 (2012).
The court heard that members of the Clare divisional drugs squad found cannabis valued at € 940 during a search, under warrant, of 14 Sean Dún, Tulla Road, Ennis on February 13. The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the matter.
Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction. Inspector Michael Gallagher explained that quantities of cannabis were found in tinfoil wraps and small plastic bags.
Insp Gallagher said the accused admitted selling the cannabis. He said gardaí accepted that this was the first time Mr McNamara had engaged in drug dealing.
Defence solicitor Joe Chambers told the court that his client had sold the drugs to his friends and not “Joe Public”. He said Mr McNamara was rarely paid by his friends.
Mr Chambers added, “This was a tight knit matter in which he was the mule.” Mr McNamara had never come to garda attention before this incident, the court heard.
Mr Chambers said his client was fortunate to have been caught so early. He added, “There was a certain innocence to what he was about.”
Mr Chambers told the court that Mr McNamara no longer smokes cannabis.
“He needed a sharp reminder of what he is doing is wrong”, he said. Insp Gallagher said Mr McNamara “wouldn’t be a typical drug dealer.”
Judge Patrick Durcan ordered that Mr McNamara engage with the Probation services. He adjourned the case until November 14.