Mallow man caught with cocaine encouraged to play rugby to avoid jail

Accused caught with €3,000 worth of cocaine which judge said was 'at the lower end of the chain'

Judge told accused: “Stay pro-social, stay employed, stay playing rugby.”

A Mallow man caught with almost €3,000 worth of cocaine was given a suspended jail term as the judge urged him to continue with pro-social activities, including playing rugby.

Sergeant Patrick O’Connell said gardaí called to the house at Connolly Avenue, Mallow, Co Cork, for an unrelated reason that had nothing to do with Colm Flaherty.

Defence barrister Emmet Boyle said of the accused: “He is now working. He is back in pro-social activity. He is a keen rugby player. He is now 22. I cannot gainsay previous convictions but they are going back four and a half years.” 

Mr Boyle said the plea of guilty was significant as others were in the house and Mr Flaherty accepted responsibility.

The defence barrister said there could have been a legal argument about the warrant but the defendant opted not to take that route and chose to plead guilty from the outset.

Mr Boyle said the young man had difficult formative years but was doing well now and there were testimonials speaking of his otherwise good character.

Judge James McCourt said: “You could have played ducks and drakes with the system and turned this into a lengthy process but you did not.

“You have shown a degree of insight and you are involved in pro-social activity, playing rugby. That is commendable. The drug in question is a scourge on society. But with a street value of less than €3,000 you were at the lower end of the chain.” 

The judge imposed a two-year sentence suspended on condition that he keeps the peace for the next three years.

Judge McCourt said to the young man as the case concluded: “That should see you through the gap. Stay pro-social, stay employed, stay playing rugby.”