Man with €77k Cannabis Gets Rehab Reprieve
- 33-year-old Patrick Murphy of Donoughmore, County Cork, was intercepted by Gardaí on May 14, 2021, carrying four kilograms of cannabis worth over €77,000. Murphy admits he intended to sell the cannabis to clear a cocaine debt.
- Judge Helen Boyle adjourned the sentencing until February 19, 2024. Murphy’s counsel, Jane Hyland, stated he seeks the chance to show he is clear of drugs and to start rehabilitation. Judge Boyle warned Murphy that, if he does not engage in rehabilitation, the outcome could be severe.
- Murphy, who has no previous drug convictions, has come to the adverse attention of gardaí since the incident in May 2021 for alleged drug driving. He also revealed that his partner is pregnant and he wishes to be present for her and the baby.
Donoughmore Resident Pleads For Rehabilitation Before Sentencing for Cannabis Trafficking
A Donoughmore local, Patrick Murphy, who was intercepted returning from Dublin with four kilograms of cannabis valued at more than €77,000, requested a chance to commence rehabilitation ahead of sentencing, to which the judge retorted “If you do not take the chance, it is goodnight, Vienna”.
Originally from Kilmartin Upper, Donoughmore, County Cork, the 33-year-old also informed Judge Helen Boyle that his partner is expectant and that he wishes to support both her and their incoming child.
Judge Boyle expressed her skepticism to the defendant’s senior counsel, Jane Hyland remarking: “Even if I do put this back, I think there is an inevitability about the outcome of this”. Ms Hyland responded by stating that her client seeks the chance to prove his drug-free status through urinalysis results and get treatment.
Judge Boyle decided to defer the sentencing till February 19, 2024, with a strict warning “If you do not engage with it, it is goodnight, Vienna”, given at the Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Earlier, Detective Garda Andrew Manning explained the drug seizure circumstances. Murphy was caught on May 14, 2021, right after returning from Dublin. His van was inspected under the Misuse of Drugs Act, revealing two plastic bags, each containing two kilos of cannabis.
The total drug haul had a significant street value exceeding €77,000. Manning said, “He made full admissions that he went up to Dublin to collect the cannabis in order to sell it to clear a cocaine debt”. Despite the serious charges, Mr. Murphy had no prior drug convictions.
When questioned about Murphy’s activities since his arrest in May 2021, Detective Manning confirmed that he had indeed, attracted unfavorable attention from authorities for alleged drug driving.
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