Suspended sentence for driver arrested by Longford gardaí who had drugs hidden in van

A father of three who was caught with drugs valued at over €16,000 has been directed by a judge to complete 100 hours of community service and he has been handed a three year suspended prison sentence.

Colin Shanley (48) of Drumsillagh, Cootehall, Boyle, Roscommon pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court of being in unlawful possession of drugs and a charge of possession of drugs for sale or supply on May 15, 2021 at the same location.

State prosecutor Shane Geraghty BL, said the total value of the cocaine detected was nearly €16,597, which was split into two packages, hidden in the driver's side door and the footwell.

Also read: Longford Gardaí launch investigation as man 60s in ‘critical condition’ in hospital

At a previous hearing, Garda Noelle Fahy said she and colleague Garda Brian Farrell assisted with a checkpoint at Curry Church on May 15, 2021 where he observed a white van slow up in the distance and turn off the main road.

The officer subsequently activated his lights and sirens and he drove to the side of the road where he observed the van pulled in on the grass verge and he spoke with the driver.

The court heard Mr Shanley appeared nervous and when the car was searched he admitted he had a quantity of drugs in the vehicle.

Mr Shanley was searched at Longford Garda Station where he admitted there was 28 grams of cocaine in the driver's door of his van for his own personal use valued at about €800.

Officers were told there was another larger package weighing 208 grams in the footwell, which the defendant had collected in Ballymahon.

The court heard when the defendant, who did not request a solicitor, was asked by Gardaí what he was doing in Ballymahon he stated he had been asked to pick up a package outside a garage and then drop it to Longford.

Also read: 'Collided with pedestrians' Son of Longfordian critically injured in horror Sydney crash

Mr Shanley said he was told a man would approach him when he got to the garage and when he arrived a man walked towards him and handed him the package which he placed in his car and drove to Longford.

When asked by Gardaí who handed him the package.
Shanley cooperated with Gardaí, and despite not admitting who he was moving the package for, they accepted he had genuine fears for his safety and his family's well being.

Mr Shanley told Gardaí he received two grams of cocaine for his part in the operation and he routinely consumed up to €300 of the drug every week as it "helped" with his depression.

The defendant stated he had a drug debt of between €5,000 and €10,000.

The court heard Mr Shanley, who is living in rented accommodation with his wife and children, previously worked as a fisheries officer and spent his 'life in the fire service'.

Shanley apologised to Gardaí who accepted he was not involved in selling drugs.

On Tuesday, Judge Kenneth Connolly, heard a urine analysis on the defendant was negative for drugs and alcohol and he stated a medical report had been helpful and the probation report noted he was fit to do community service.

"Mr Shanley engaged fully with An Garda Síochána, almost completely, and just short of naming names."

Also read: Man was transporting drugs when his car overturned in south Longford

Judge Connolly said Mr Shanley had been in employment all of his life and he was deemed to be at a moderate risk of reoffending.

"It is an exceptional report and says he is involved in a significant amount of charitable work."

Judge Connolly decided to direct him to complete 100 hours' community service and he handed down a three year jail sentence, which he suspended for three years.

The defendant was placed on a probation bond with strict conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour along with the community service.