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"Absurdity' to suggest higher level drug dealers should face lesser sentences

Summary

The Court of Appeal rejected lawyers' argument that higher‑level drug dealers should receive shorter sentences than street dealers for the same quantity of drugs. The three‑judge panel held that the value of drugs should be assessed at street‑level prices, even when the offender is a senior dealer. The case involved Stephen Glynn, 41, who was convicted in 2018 under section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act for possession of diamorphine in Drimnagh. Detective Sergeant Brian Roberts testified that the drugs were worth €34,360 on the street, while a senior dealer would fetch only €10,000. Glynn's second offence triggered a mandatory minimum of ten years, with a review after five years. The appeal was dismissed, affirming that the street‑level valuation avoids the absurdity of treating a senior dealer as less culpable than a street dealer.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Absurdity' to suggest higher level drug dealers should face lesser sentences. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• November 10, 2015 Incident
• 2021-03-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report