A MAN found guilty of possessing cannabis resin at Monasterboice, Co Louth, on May 28th, 1995, was not the "big man" in the operation and had been used, Trim Circuit Court was told yesterday.
Vincent Donegan (32), of Bawntaaffe, Monasterboice, was before the court where a probation report was given to Judge Patrick Smith.
The court was told by Garda John Yorke that Donegan was separated from his wife and two young children and had fallen into bad company around the time the drugs were seized by gardai.
He had one previous conviction for possession of cannabis.
At his trial earlier this month, Donegan had pleaded not guilty to possession of cannabis resin at Monasterboice and possession with intent to supply. The value of the haul was estimated at about £300,000.
Mr Michael O'Higgins, defending, told Judge Patrick Smith that what he called "rather disgraceful and appalling photographs" appeared in newspapers after his client's conviction. Donegan was being led away after the jury returned its verdict when photographers had surged forward, and his actions were a statement to the photographers and not anyone else, Mr O'Higgins said.
Judge Smith remanded him in custody to the same court next Thursday for sentence.