Man faces sentencing for brother's €1m cannabis stash

A Cavan man described as “non-confrontational” has been remanded on continuing bail for sentence later arising out of the seizure of cannabis resin valued over €1m last year.

Thomas Keogh (aged 36), of Corrakeeran, Lisboduff, Cootehill was told to “mind your own business” when he asked his brother about the cache which was being held in the apartment they shared.

He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the cannabis resin at Clontarf Bay Apartments for sale or supply on January 12, 2007.

His brother, George (aged 28), of the same Cavan address, has been remanded in custody for sentence in October in relation to the drugs which were valued at €1,088,500.

Detective Garda Reginald Brady told prosecuting counsel, Mr Garret Baker BL, that the cannabis was found in the course of a search carried out as a result of confidential information.

Det. Gda Brady agreed with defence counsel, Mr Shane Costelloe BL, that Thomas Keogh was “a very non-confrontational person” and that his brother was the person mainly involved in the drugs cache.

Det. Gda Brady also agreed that Thomas Keogh had no previous convictions and he said he would not expect to see him before the courts again.

Mr Costelloe submitted that his client was “a simple man who is just not confrontational” and he appealed to Judge Patricia Ryan not to impose a custodial sentence but to consider community service. He also noted the evidence given by Det. Gda Brady and testimonials submitted on his client's behalf.

“He is deeply apologetic and very embarrassed by this matter and will never ever come before the courts again,” Mr Costelloe said.

Judge Ryan adjourned the case with Keogh on continuing bail until late November and directed the preparation of a Probation Service's report for that hearing.