Ten-month sentence for Waterford man found with almost €2,000 worth of diamorphine
Gardaí on patrol observed what they suspected was a “suspicious transaction” between two males outside Reginald's Tower in Waterford City.
A Ferrybank man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after gardaí found almost €2,000 worth of drugs in his bag pack.
Derek Kennedy (47), of 3 Abbeylands, Ferrybank, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled drug and possession of controlled drugs for sale or supply contrary to Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
The court was told that on August 3, 2023, gardaí on patrol observed what they suspected was a “suspicious transaction” between two males outside Reginald's Tower in Waterford City.
While speaking to one of the men, the other ran away.
In the pursuit, gardaí saw the defendant throw an orange backpack away.
When gardaí searched the bag, they found diamorphine with a value of €1,896.
The court heard that the defendant has seven previous convictions.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said he wanted to emphasise that his client was here with the support of his mother and sister.
He told the court that his client has had a long struggle with addiction.
Mr Cunningham said that between 2013 and 2016, his client had done “exceptionally well” but has since had a “slip”.
Nevertheless, he said his client has now “turned a corner again”.
Mr Cunningham said the defendant had the support of his family, was clean and attended counselling.
He has and intends to complete educational courses and is a father of four children.
He has nothing else before the court, and while he has previous convictions, this is his “only blip in seven years”.
Judge Kevin Staunton said he acknowledged the defendant’s “limited progress” but said addiction was still a problem and it was “really about time he sorted himself out”.
The judge also noted that the defendant had previous convictions “of the same nature”.
Judge Staunton sentenced the defendant to 10 months in prison for possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply.
The possession charge was taken into consideration.
