Man raising money for charity avoids jail over drugs

A man who had recently been given publicity for his plans to drive to China to raise funds for a children’s hospice, has been convicted of possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Willie Gleeson, aged 27, from Lisdoon Cottage, Ballycraggan, Puckane, Co Tipperary, was given a five-month suspended jail sentence at Nenagh District Court yesterday.

He was charged with seven counts under the Drugs Trafficking Act including, possession of cannabis; possession of cannabis for sale or supply; and possession of drug paraphernalia including weighing scales.