Driver sentenced to 11 years for LSD-smuggling attempt

An English truck driver who attempted to import LSD valued at more than €600,000 through Dublin Port strapped to his body has been given an 11-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Driver sentenced to 11 years for LSD-smuggling attempt

An English truck driver who attempted to import LSD valued at more than €600,000 through Dublin Port strapped to his body has been given an 11-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court..

David Coles (aged 37), of Birdsfarm, Saffron Waldon, Essex, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug for sale or supply at Dublin Port on February 10, 2005.

Judge Frank O’Donnell said: "The message must go out on the streets that if you are caught importing drugs into Ireland it will result in severe punishment." He imposed an 11-year sentence.

Detective Garda Frank O’Neill told Mr Bernard Condon BL, prosecuting, that when Coles was stopped by Customs and Excise officers at the port he told them he was carrying only toilet rolls, but when searched they found six packages containing LSD valued at approximately €619,000 strapped to his body.

Coles told gardaí he had "no choice" but to transport the drugs because he feared for his family's safety and he had been threatened that he would be shot.

Det garda O’Neill said Coles had 63 previous convictions in England for offences against the person, property and for four firearm's offences committed between 1985 and 2000.

Defence counsel, Mr Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, handed in letters of reference on behalf of Coles outlining his work with his local football team in Essex and also from his previous employers.

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