A Dublin man has been jailed for five years by Judge Kieran O'Connor for storing £17,500 worth of cannabis in the bedroom of his home.
Derek Kelso (49), of Shangan Road, Ballymun, Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Circuit Criminal Court to having cannabis resin, for sale or supply, on March 3rd, 1998.
Garda Christopher Elliot told Mr Roger Sweetman, prosecuting, that Kelso hid the drugs in his home, where he lived alone.
Ms Mary Ellen Ring, defending, said her client was in severe financial distress at the time due to a drink problem. He did not have a history of drug-related offences and had not come under Garda notice until this incident. Kelso received very little from the drugs ring who used him. Judge O'Connor said he realised the defendant was using his flat as a store for drugs and was not involved himself. He set an early review date for December this year and ordered Kelso to have treatment for alcohol abuse.
