Man faces return to jail for €28k drugs in car

A Dublin man with a previous drugs conviction could face going back to jail for possessing almost €28,000 of cannabis herb, cocaine, and heroin in his home and car.

Paul Mooney, aged 26, had been on temporary release from a five-year sentence for possessing €70,000 of drugs when patrolling gardaí spotted him sitting in the dark in his car with another man.

Detective Garda Colm Reynolds said that when he and his colleague approached the car, something was thrown from the driver’s side. Mooney was in the passenger seat and had over €2,000 cash in his hand.

He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing a total €27,900 of drugs in sports bags in his home at Ring St, Inchicore, on December 8, 2012.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing €2,000 on a grass verge near his car. He has seven previous convictions, including the drugs offence and criminal damage.

Det Garda Reynolds told John Byrne, prosecuting, that Mooney took full responsibility for the drugs found in his home and said he owed people a few thousand euro.

The detective agreed with Mary Rose Gearty, defending, that her client had a cocaine issue.

Ms Gearty asked Judge Mary Ellen Ring to adjourn the sentence so that Mooney could complete a number of courses he has started in prison.

Judge Ring put the matter back for sentencing in November.