Carpenter jailed for five years for drug and gun posession

A Lithuanian carpenter who served in the Russian Army has been given a five sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of firearms and drugs in his home.

Orentas Jaselskis (aged 39), of Charnwood Gardens, Clonsilla pleaded guilty to possession of a semiautomatic pistol, "ecstasy" tablets valued at €670 and cannabis herb valued at €250 on May 5, 2006. He had five previous convictions

Judge Katherine Delahunt imposed sentences totalling five years but suspended the final two years.

She granted liberty to the prosecution to reapply for possible confiscation of assets if investigations showed Jaselskis had benefited from drug dealing.

Sergeant Michael Kennedy told prosecuting counsel, Mr Shane Costelloe BL, that the gun and drugs were found in a scullery in Jaselskis’s house along with several rounds of ammunition and cash that gardaí believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.

Sgt Kennedy said Jaselskis admitted the items were his but gave no explanation as to why they were in his possession. Jaselskis had served in the Russian military and was familiar with firearms.

Ms Grainne O’Neill BL, defending, said Jaselskis had been living in Ireland with his wife and children for seven years and worked as a carpenter. She said he was an active member of his local church and had a skill that was of benefit to the community.