Collins letter had no influence on suspended sentence: Judge

A letter to Limerick Circuit Court by a politician on behalf of a drugs dealer did not influence a suspended sentence he was imposing, a judge has said.

Earlier this year, Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins came under fire for writing a letter urging leniency for widowed father-of-four Hugo Porter, who admitted having nearly €18,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply in June 2011.

Porter, aged 40, St Patrick Villas, Castleconnell, Co Limerick, was given a suspended three-year sentence by Judge Carroll Moran.