Man found with €6,665 worth of cocaine in Longford must complete community service

A man charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell has been ordered to complete 240 hours of community service within a year in lieu of 20 months in prison.

Tiernan Doherty (27), of Annaduff Glebe, Drumsna, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, appeared at a sitting of Longford Circuit Court last Wednesday, where he was sentenced for possession of €6,665 worth of cocaine.

Garda John Hanley told the court that, on January 16, 2021, he and Garda Pete Doherty were conducting a checkpoint in Newtownforbes when a female indicated to them that the vehicle behind her was driving in a peculiar manner.

Gardaí observed the vehicle pulling off and parking at a shop. They approached the car and addressed the driver, who appeared nervous and whose eyes were glazed over.

PICTURES | Stunning style and sharp suits as Longford students dress to impress for graduation ball

A search was conducted and two parcels of white powder were found on Mr Doherty’s person. He admitted it was cocaine. The amount seized was 90.22g of cocaine, with a street value of €70 per gramme.

Mr Doherty was arrested and questioned and provided material assistance to Gardaí. He outlined that owed money to the sum of €4,500 for a drug debt and that he was requested to carry out a “drop”.

Mr Doherty came before the courts with no previous convictions and has not come to the adverse attention of Gardaí since, Gda Hanley confirmed.

Judge Kenneth Connolly noted that the accused was relatively young at the time of the commission of the offence, that he became involved in drugs and addiction became debt.

Also read: Highly regarded Longford priest to retire as Bishop announces wide ranging Diocesan changes

“The court hears that particular tale all too often,” he said.

“This was not the most significant find ever. We see stories in the newspapers of millions of euros worth of drugs being seized. But cocaine is a higher class drug than cannabis.

“Whatever his reasons for getting involved, he was nonetheless a cog in this operation, albeit a low cog. He’s not the lynch pin,” Judge Connolly added, noting that these kinds of operations do not work without the “low cogs”.

Also read: Longford TD appeals 'for calm' in the aftermath of frightening shooting incident

Mr Doherty showed no signs of trappings of wealth, he noted, and when interviewed by Gardaí, he said “I’ve only done this three times”.

“I accept his honesty but it is of concern that this was not his first rodeo and it is disappointing that he would let himself be used on so many occasions,” he said.

Also read: Cavan swimming coach convicted of rape and sexual assault

However, in mitigation, Judge Connolly noted there was an early plea of guilt and an immediate admission at the scene.
Following that mitigation, Judge Connolly reduced a headline sentence of two years and six months to 20 months. However, he noted Mr Doherty was deemed suitable for community service.

“I think, in these circumstances where a clean cut young man comes before the court with no previous convictions, and that in the last three years he hasn’t come to the attention of Gardaí, and where he is working, it serves no purpose to put him in prison,” said Judge Connolly.

He ordered Mr Doherty to complete 240 house of community service within one year, in lieu of 20 months imprisonment.

Mr Doherty has also been ordered to pay a sum of €1,000 to LEAP within 12 months. Finally, a destruction order was made for the drugs.

Also read: Strokestown eviction vigilantes appeal convictions for 'mob' attack