'Naive' man gets suspended sentence for cannabis possession
A Cavan man described as "simple, naive and non-confrontational" has been given a three year suspended sentence by Judge Patricia Ryan for possession of cannabis resin valued over €1m.
Thomas Keogh (aged 36) of Corrakeeran, Lisboduff, Cootehill was told to "mind your own business" when he asked his brother about the cache which was being held in the luxury apartment they shared.
His cocaine-addict brother, George (aged 28) of the same Cavan address, who owed up to €40,000 to lending agencies and drug dealers, was jailed for 10 years by Judge Frank O’Donnell on October 29 last in relation to the same cache of drugs, valued at €1,088,500.
Both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of the cannabis at Clontarf Bay Apartments on January 12, 2007.
Detective Garda Reginald Brady agreed with defence counsel, Mr Shane Costello BL, that Thomas Keogh was "a very non-confrontational person" and that George was the person responsible for the drugs cache.
Det Gda Brady also agreed that Thomas Keogh had no previous convictions and he wouldn't ever expect to see him before the courts again.
Mr Costello submitted that Thomas Keogh was "a simple man who is just not confrontational" and he appealed to Judge Ryan not to impose a custodial sentence but to consider community service.
Mr Costello also noted the evidence given by Det Gda Brady and testimonials submitted on his client's behalf.
"He is deeply apologetic and very embarrassed by this matter and will never ever come before the courts again," Mr Costello said.
Judge Ryan said she acknowledged he was a "simple, naive man" who looked up to and was guided by his brother who was the main person involved. She imposed a three-year sentence, suspended on conditions.
Det Gda Brady told prosecuting counsel, Mr Garret Baker BL, that the cannabis was found during a search carried out as a result of confidential information.
He said George Keogh told gardaí he had been "roped into a scheme" to sell the cannabis for his dealers in order to pay off a "debt" they knew he could not otherwise pay off.
George Keogh told gardaí he had been a cocaine addict for up to five years and planned to sell the cannabis for €1,200 per kilogram but would not reveal where the drugs had come from for fear of being killed.
