Letterkenny Courthouse.
TWO men have pleaded guilty to a number of charges in relation to the discovery last year of more than €200,000 worth of cannabis herb in Castlefinn.
Andrew Neeson (34), with an address at Skelpy Lower, Castlefinn, was charged with the possession of cannabis herb and possession of the drug with intent to supply at the Topaz service station in the town on February 11, 2014.
He was also charged with the unlawful importing or exporting of controlled drugs.
A second man, Sidney Gibson (46) of 319 The Curragh, Killygordon, was also charged with possession of cannabis herb and of possession of the drug with intent to supply. Neeson, a Tyrone native, pleaded guilty at Tuesday’s sitting of the court, while Gibson pleaded guilty today (Wednesday). The court heard Gibson had a previous conviction some time ago for possession of drugs.
The seizure was made shortly after 8 pm at a petrol station as a result of an intelligence led operation involving the Garda National Drug Unit, Customs Revenue Enforcement Officers, and the Divisional Drug Unit, Donegal.
Prosecuting Barrister, Ms Patrician McLaughlin, told judge Francis Comerford at Tuesday’s sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court that the State was entering a nolle prosequi in relation to the other charges against Neeson.
Defending Barrister, Mr Cormac O’Dulachain SC, said his client was only a small link in the chain who was “vulnerable and easily taken advantage of.”
He said Neeson had no previous convictions and asked Judge Comerford to adjourn sentencing to allow for the compilation of a Probation Report.
The Judge adjourned sentencing in relation to both men to a later sitting of the court.
At a previous sitting, both were remanded on continuing bail and ordered to observe a curfew between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am. They were also ordered to surrender their passports, sign on three times a week at Ballybofey Garda station and not contact any known drug-dealers.
Due to the seriousness of the charges, he granted the men legal aid to include both senior and junior counsel.
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