Cork mechanic who took amphetamines to stay awake and then started dealing them spared jail

Accused also pleaded guilty to a money-laundering charge after gardaí seized €4,210 along with €9,000 worth of drugs at his home

Judge noted accused gave a signed plea of guilty which saved the State the preparation of a book of evidence, and the fact he was cooperative with the investigation. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A mechanic who fell into the work culture of taking amphetamines to stay wakeful ended up dealing the drug during the covid pandemic and now he has avoided a jail term being imposed on him at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court the accused was caught with more than €9,000 worth of amphetamines at his home at Killeens, Crossbarry, Co Cork, on December 19, 2021.

A sum of €4,210 was also seized at his home in the course of the drugs search.

The accused man — 28-year-old Grzegorz Fuchs — subsequently pleaded guilty to possession of the amphetamine for the purpose of selling or supplying at Crossbarry on the date in question.

He also pleaded guilty to a money-laundering charge in respect of the €4,210 that was seized in that operation.

Defence barrister Mahon Corkery said there was money found in two different areas of the house and not all of it was associated with the amphetamines. 

However, the defendant pleaded guilty to a money-laundering charge in respect of the entire amount that was seized and did not have any application to recover any of the money, which has now been forfeited to the State.

Det Garda Ryan said the seized amphetamines had a street value exceeding €9,000 and also found were drug paraphernalia including weighing scales and baggies.

Mr Corkery said the accused had taken significant pro-social steps since this occurred. 

“He chose to abstain from alcohol and amphetamines. Both were an issue for him at the time. He met this matter in a responsible manner and there was no hiding behind tall tales. He disassociated himself from this behaviour. Given his previous good record, his pro-social attitude and what he has done to address the root of this I would ask for a fully suspended sentence,” Mr Corkery said.

Asked by the defence barrister if gardaí expected Mr Fuchs would come to Garda attention again, Det Garda Ryan replied: “Absolutely not.” 

Judge Cormac Quinn noted the evidence on how the accused had commenced taking amphetamines: “You came in contact with it in a culture of taking it in the workplace and became addicted to it.” 

Mitigating factors noted by the judge included a signed plea of guilty which saved the State the preparation of a book of evidence, and the fact he was cooperative with the investigation.

“You have been actively involved in work all your life and actively involved in sports. You took amphetamine for the up and cannabis to come down and then become involved in the vicious circle of coming into contact with people who supply it,” the judge said.

However, Judge Quinn noted the defendant was now married and continuing to do voluntary work in the community.

A fully suspended two-year sentence was imposed on Grzegorz Fuchs.