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"Intellectually vulnerable" man jailed for six years for handling cocaine
Summary
Eric Wynne, 29, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading not guilty to possessing cocaine for sale or supply. A jury returned a majority verdict finding him convicted. Judge Desmond Hogan imposed a ten-year sentence, with the final four years suspended, describing Wynne as a "valuable cog in this unpalatable industry." The judge recommended Wynne receive psychiatric help in custody and alerted the Prison Service to his vulnerability. Wynne, who indicated an intention to appeal, was found to have an intellectual disability. Co-accused Arthur Conroy, 30, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug for sale or supply. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final three years and three months suspended. The court heard that 1,976 grammes of cocaine, valued at €138,300, were found at a garage in Glasnevin, Dublin 11, where a "cocaine factory" was allegedly operated. Gardaí seized mixing agents, scales, and a hydraulic press. Wynne admitted possessing 15 grammes found in his pocket but denied involvement with the larger quantity. Defence counsel highlighted Wynne's history of abuse and borderline personality disorder, while his mother stated he was her sole carer.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Intellectually vulnerable" man jailed for six years for handling cocaine. Charges or matters: the charge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- September 11, 2009 Incident
- 2015-10-29 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Conroy, who's father and grandfather served as gardaí, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final three years and three months suspended, for possession of the drug for sale or supply.
Convicted Person
Charges: the charge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Desmond Hogan said Wynne was "at the lower end of the scale but a valuable cog in this unpalatable industry." He imposed a ten year sentence with the final four years suspended and recommended that Wynne receive appropriate psychiatric help in custody.
Places mentioned
- Portland Place
- Lower Dorset Street
- Dublin
- Violet Hill Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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