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Jail for man who claimed he got in to drugs debt after self-medicating ADHD with cannabis
Summary
Karl Brown, aged 26, was sentenced to four years in prison for possession of 36,633 ecstasy tablets, with an 18‑month suspended portion, after Gardaí raided his home in Oakrise, Clondalkin, Dublin. During the raid, Brown was found in the kitchen counting pills into bags, while two women present became agitated. Gardaí discovered the tablets, small amounts of cocaine and amphetamine, weighing scales and a customer list. Prosecutor Fiona McGowan BL estimated the tablets' street value at €366,330. Brown pleaded guilty on 3 March 2015 to possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home. He claimed he was holding the tablets to repay a €3,000 drug debt incurred by smoking cannabis, which he used to self‑medicate ADHD. He refused to name the drug supplier, citing concerns for his family's safety. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC noted Brown had cooperated in interviews and made admissions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who claimed he got in to drugs debt after self-medicating ADHD with cannabis. Charges or matters: possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on March 3, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 3, 2015 Incident
- 2016-04-04 Publication
Why: Brown refused to say who gave him the drugs because he said he feared for his family's safety. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on March 3, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally said offenders like Brown had an important role "as they keep the drug wheel turning." She imposed a four year sentence with the last 18 months suspended.
Places mentioned
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