Suspended six-month sentence for Offaly man supplying 'drugs to friends'

A SUSPENDED six-month prison sentence was imposed on a man after Tullamore District Court was told he had been supplying drugs to his friends.

Casey Naughton (23), Philipsvale, Daingean, admitted to possessing drugs and having drugs for sale or supply to others at a number of different locations on various dates.

Mr Naughton also pleaded guilty to driving dangerously at Little Island, Daingean on April 21, 2021.

Sergeant James O'Sullivan told the court that on June 2 last year a drugs search took place at a residence in Philipsvale, Daingean and €260 worth of cannabis in three separate bags was found and “magic mushrooms” valued at €60.

Sergeant O'Sullivan added that another €70 worth of cannabis was also located, plus a weighing scales and a number of clear plastic bags.

When Mr Naughton was arrested and questioned he made admissions to supplying to friends in order to fund his own habit.

He was co-operative and forthcoming while at the garda station and during his time there a further €70 worth of cocaine was found on his person.

Continuing, Sergeant O'Sullivan said that on April 21, 2021 the accused was driving a vehicle at speed at Little Island, Daingean after being seen by a patrol car.

Mr Naughton drove towards Walsh Island swerving to avoid the ditch and when he was stopped the searched he was found to have three deals of cannabis and five deals of cocaine.

After his arrest he told gardai the cannabis was for friends but he was going to take the cocaine himself.

Previously, on September 24, 1990, Mr Naughton was seen at the car park of the Tullamore Court Hotel with two other males in a black Audi A4. The accused had a grinder and cannabis worth €20.

Of Mr Naughton's five previous convictions, just one was for a drugs offence and he was fined €100.

He had been convicted of driving without insurance twice and had been banned from driving for two years.

When Judge Andrew Cody put it to defending solicitor Patrick Martin that his client had a significant drug dealing history, the solicitor said it had been mainly among friends.

Also, on one occasion he had drugs in the context of celebrating his own birthday. He had stopped his involvement in drugs since June of last year.

He had ADHD and autism but had attained a Safe Pass and a forklift licence with a view to getting employment.

In addition to the suspended sentence and the driving ban, Judge Cody fined Mr Naughton a total of €400.