Drugs sentences ruled ‘too lenient’

The Court of Appeal has found that wholly suspended 10-year sentences imposed on a man described as the "oldest drugs mule to come before the courts" and another man for the possession of €1.2m in drugs were too lenient.

However, Edward Rooney, aged 65, of Ballinacorribeg, Roundwood, Co Wicklow, and Des Ryan, aged 55, of Belfield Springs, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, must wait until the New Year to learn of the new sentences to be imposed on them.

In October 2013, Judge Desmond Hogan handed down suspended terms of 10 years to both men after they pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing heroin and cocaine for sale or supply on April 5, 2012.