Man who used 'honesty box system' to deal drugs in West Cork gets suspended sentence

The court heard the defendant 'had been selling since October 2020 during the second covid lockdown'

The accused was given a two-year jail term, backdated to when he was remanded in custody last November with the remainder of the sentence suspended from Friday. File picture: Dan Linehan

A 36-year-old man who used an honesty box system to deal drugs in West Cork was given a two-year jail term, backdated to when he was remanded in custody last November with the remainder of the sentence suspended from Friday.

Judge Sinéad Behan imposed that sentence, now suspended, on 36-year-old Gideon Cullum of Fourcuil, Clonakilty, County Cork.

Barrister Ben Shorten said previously: “He is highly incentivised to engage with the probation service. This is his first offence. He came forward on a signed plea of guilty, two counselling reports are available. 

"He has given two supervised urine samples and he is in gainful employment — he is going in the right direction.” 

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan said that on September 16, 2024, the defendant was seen entering the wooded area at Ballinoroher, Timoleague, where the stash of cannabis was concealed.

“During interview he admitted he had been selling since October 2020 during the second covid lockdown. His system was a well-organised operation. 

"He used a different name online. There was a phone number and people would order by WhatsApp. They would receive a location PIN and would go to that rural location. 

"The drugs would be in a lunchbox or a glass jar. The person would take the cannabis and leave the cash. There was no interaction — it was click and go,” Detective Garda Ryan said. 

Judge Behan compared it to the honesty box system.