Ennis man jailed after cannabis and machete found in car

An Ennis man carrying €3,000 worth of cannabis and a machete in his car in Cork was jailed for six months yesterday.

Another drug crime on a later date could have even more serious repercussions for Jim McDonagh, aged 23, as he had a three-year suspended jail sentence hanging over him from Ennis Circuit Court for assault causing harm.

Sentencing him to six months for having the drugs for sale or supply and having the machete contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, Judge Olann Kelleher had this to say: “Firearms and drugs are a dangerous cocktail for anyone. And selling or supplying of drugs in this city is unacceptable.”

Insp John Deasy said the accused was stopped by gardaí at Killeens, Blarney, Co Cork, on Feb 9, 2012.

The car was searched. Cannabis herb with a street value of €3,000 was found, as was a machete.

McDonagh pleaded guilty at Cork District Court yesterday to charges of having the drugs for sale or supply and having the weapon.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said McDonagh had to plead guilty to the more serious supply charge because the amount was greater than would be used for personal consumption.