Ecstasy accused jailed for seven years

A 37-year-old man who had more than 9,000 Ecstasy tablets valued at €135,000 has been jailed for seven years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Denis Gibney, of Clogher Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to possession of the tablets in his car for sale or supply on Con Colbert Road, Ballyfermot on April 10, 2003.

Detective Garda Kieron Whelan told Mr Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, he was on routine patrol when he stopped Gibney and searched his vehicle.

A shopping bag containing 9,040 Ecstasy tablets with a market value of €135,000 was found in the car. Gibney made a full and frank confession in which he said he was moving the drugs for another person.

Judge Desmond Hogan heard that Gibney became involved in the offence as he was in debt due to a cocaine and gambling addiction. He has one previous conviction for possession of cocaine but has now dealt with his addictions.

Judge Hogan said he was satisfied that Gibney was "on the lower rung of the ladder and merely acting as a courier". He suspended two years of the seven-year term on condition that Gibney enter into a good behaviour bond of €500 for five years following his release.