Man get six years for possession of drugs

A "TALENTED golfer" with a possible future as a professional has been given a six-year sentence after being caught storing cocaine valued at €27,300 in his rented house in Swords to repay a €2,500 drug debt.

Joseph Deegon (21) was due to undergo training that would have allowed him to teach golf and play as a professional.

Deegon, of Howth Road, Raheny, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession on March 9th, 2003 of the drugs for sale or supply at Parklands, Northwoods, Swords.

Judge Katherine Delahunt said she believed "special and exceptional circumstances" were evident in this case to allow her depart from the 10-year mandatory minimum sentence applicable to this offence.

She noted Deegon's admissions to gardai, his early guilty plea and the fact he had a drug addiction at the time. Judge Delahunt imposed a six-year sentence with the final three years suspended on conditions.

Sgt Denis O'Callaghan testified that while searching the house on foot of confidential information they found cocaine valued at €27,300 in the bedroom and drug paraphernalia, such as a weighing scales, plastic bags and a mixer, lidocaine.

Sgt O'Callaghan said Deegon admitted responsibility and told gardai he was holding the cocaine to repay a drug debt to a third party whom he could not name as he feared for his own safety.

Sgt O'Callaghan said Deegon had 14 previous convictions, one of which was a drug offence and the remainder for road traffic offences.He agreed that Deegon had "legitimate fears" for the safety of himself and his family and had paid off the €2,500 drug debt with a bank loan.