Postman-turned-drug dealer given suspended sentence

A former postman who became a drug dealer in order to fund his lifestyle after moving out of home has received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Simon Dumbrell (aged 22), who has no previous convictions, began dealing cocaine to supplement his income after he "underestimated" the costs of running a home and socialising when he moved in with his girlfriend.

Dumbrell, of Niall Street, Grangegorman pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with a street value of €3,036 at his rented home on September 15, 2006.

Sergeant Charlie Armstrong told prosecuting counsel, Ms Martina Baxter BL, that gardaí acting on confidential information searched Dumbrell’s home and found the drugs and assorted drug paraphernalia such as a customer "tick list", electronic scales and plastic "cut-offs" used in the packaging of cocaine.

Sgt Armstrong said Dumbrell admitted responsibility for the items. He told gardaí he did not take drugs himself but had been selling cocaine for about a month to get money "for pleasure."

Sgt Armstrong agreed with defence counsel, Mr Damien Colgan BL, that Dumbrell had not made a large profit and had been spending the money on himself and his girlfriend, who was unaware of his activities.

He agreed that Dumbrell had "underestimated the cost of running and renting a house".

Mr Colgan said Dumbrell came from a supportive family and his father had attended with him at each court date. He had a good work history and had learned a "stern lesson" from this episode.