This article is from page 13 of the 2012-04-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A MAN has pleaded guilty to having 59 ecstasy tablets outside an apartment block in Ennis last year.
At Ennis District Court on Thursday, David Cooley (25), with an address at 20 Rathbawn Tulla Road, Ennis pleaded guilty to possession of ecstasy and having the drugs for sale or supply at Mill House Apartments on January 23 (2011).
Detective Gary Stack told the court that gardaí had obtained a warrant to search the apartment when they observed Mr Cooley exiting the building. Inspector Tom Kennedy said that the accused admitted selling the drugs to friends.
The court heard Mr Cooley has a previous conviction for a road traffic matter but none for drugs offences.
Solicitor John Casey said his client is no longer involved in drug dealing. He told the court that Mr Cooley previously worked as a stonemason and is actively looking for work.
He said Mr Cooley had cooperated fully with gardaí. Mr Casey added, “It gave him a good shock.”
He said Mr Cooley’s partner is currently expecting a child. Mr Casey asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence.
Referring to the nature of the offence Judge Patrick Durcan said, “His retail activity was probably doing a lot of damage to a lot of people.”
He noted Mr Cooley’s plea of guilty and clean record in relation to drugs.
Judge Durcan adjourned the matter until November 28. He granted liberty to the state to re-enter the case at 24 hours notice.