Cork man avoids jail after cannabis found in room

A man who moved to Australia eight years ago to get away from a criminal peer group shortly after being arrested for drug possession has received an 18-month suspended sentence.

Aaron Mahoney, aged 30, of Oak Hill, Youghal, Cork, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply at Ballygall Crescent, Finglas, Dublin, on July 3, 2008. He has four minor previous convictions.

Garda John Walsh told Elva Duffy BL, prosecuting, that a bench warrant, which existed for Mahoney’s arrest since 2008, was executed in Cork last year when he returned to Ireland.