17-year-old sent to circuit criminal court for possessing €20k of cannabis

A 17-year-old boy has been sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court over a €20,000 cannabis seizure.

The boy was charged at the Children’s Court with possessing the drugs for sale or supply at his home, in north Dublin, on June 10 last.

He also faces another related charge, under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing drugs worth over €13,000, which on conviction can result in a minimum 10-year sentence in the Circuit Court.

Prosecuting Garda Alan Barry of Blanchardstown station told Judge Aingeal Ní Chondúin “the total value from all exhibits seized was just shy of €20,000”.

The DPP had recommended that the judge presiding at the Children’s Court was to decide whether the case should be heard there or instead be sent forward to the Circuit Court which had wider sentencing powers.

Judge Ni Chonduin rejected submissions from the defence pleading for the case to be kept in the Children’s Court saying “this is a shocking serious matter”.

“It is one thing to be destroying your own life but to be involved in destroying the lives of others is a no no,” she said.

“If your were to sit in the Bridewell or other courts to see what drugs do to other people,” she added.

The teenager, who was accompanied to court by his father, was served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial to the present term of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Defence counsel Ms Mary O’Sullivan said her client, who is on bail, had no prior convictions and was in education. She said the boy has worked part-time for the past two years and hoped to complete the Leaving Certificate.

Legal aid was granted.