'I've had no chance to live as a normal human being,' says drug-dealer jailed in West Cork

The court heard the accused had never acquired legal status, had no access to social welfare or education, does not have a Leaving Certificate and has worked odd jobs

Damilara Bammodu, who was given three 10-month jail sentences, had never acquired any legal status since he arrived in Ireland, aged 15, in 2007. File photo

A man who claimed he had little choice but to turn to drug-dealing due to his lack of legal status in Ireland has been convicted after cannabis and cocaine were found in clothing and a shoebox in his home.

Damilara Bammodu, 28, was intercepted by gardaí when travelling back to Castletownbere from Dublin last March after drugs and cash, some of which was later determined to be the proceeds of drug crime, were found in his home in the West Cork town.