Courts / Dublin / Report

Italian chef caught with €30k in drugs avoids jail

Date
2017-11-16
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Lino Simonetti, a 38-year-old Italian chef residing on Aungier Street, Dublin, appeared before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court at the sentencing stage. He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home on September 28, 2016. Prosecution evidence indicated that gardai, acting on a warrant, recovered cannabis valued at €29,600, cocaine valued at €3,080, and small amounts of MDMA and ketamine. Simonetti also directed officers to bagging and weighing scales. He admitted to having a drug habit and selling substances to fund his use. Defending counsel highlighted Simonetti's lack of previous convictions, his early guilty plea, and his cooperation with gardai. The court noted his prior work history in healthcare and education in Africa and Ireland. Judge Martin Nolan observed that Simonetti had rehabilitated himself regarding drug dealing and was unlikely to reoffend in this manner. The judge imposed a four-year sentence, which was suspended in full on strict conditions. Simonetti avoided immediate custody as a result of this disposal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Italian chef caught with €30k in drugs avoids jail. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home on September 28, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: He began selling in order to obtain drugs for himself. CNI source report

Case subjects

Lino Simonetti

Defendant

Charges: possession of cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home on September 28, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He imposed a four year sentence which he suspended in full on strict conditions.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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