Waterford block layer found with cocaine and magic mushrooms
The defendant's solicitor said that there has been a “generational shift” in the use of drugs at the weekend instead of alcohol, but that his client, having become a father, has had a chance to “reflect”.
A block layer caught with cocaine and magic mushrooms has been given a suspended prison sentence at Waterford District Court.
PJ O’Neill (44), of Fiodh Mor, Abbeylands, Ferrybank, Waterford, was before Judge Kevin Staunton for two counts of possession of drugs, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on January 26, 2023, gardaí executed a search warrant at the defendant's home in Ferrybank.
There they found €1,365 worth of cocaine and €575 worth of magic mushrooms.
The court was told the defendant has 14 previous convictions, seven of which are for possession of drugs and seven for road traffic offences.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said the drugs found were for his client’s personnel use, but “the valuations are off as far as we are concerned.”
He said the mushrooms are commonly found on greenfield sites and are sought out for their hallucinogenic properties. But, he and his client accept that they are a controlled substance.
He also said that there has been a “generational shift” in the use of drugs at the weekend instead of alcohol, but that his client, having become a father, has had a chance to “reflect”.
Mr Cunningham told the court that his client is a block-layer with a crew of five.
His work requires him to be responsible and perform to a certain standard. That standard was not one that could be met while taking drugs.
In addition, he has custody of his children and the support of his partner.
And that “lifestyle is well put behind him... He is a person who has never had it so good,” said Mr Cunningham.
Judge Staunton said the defendant's progress was “commendable” but this was his eighth drug conviction, and gardaí had to obtain a warrant.
The judge said that he did deserve credit for the fact that the incident occurred two years ago, and he did plead guilty.
Therefore, he would convict and fine the defendant €1,500 and give him four months to pay.
Judge Staunton also imposed a six-month prison sentence but suspended it for 12 months for the cocaine charge.
The magic mushroom charge was taken into consideration.
