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Father-of-three caught holding over 500k in cocaine is jailed
Summary
Thomas Knowles, a 56-year-old father of three from Chapelizod, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at two locations on 9 April 2016. Detective Garda John Paul Carroll testified that surveillance led to the discovery of 1.1 kilos of cocaine in a vehicle where Knowles was a passenger, with another kilo found in the passenger seat. A subsequent search of Knowles' residence revealed five additional kilos, with the total estimated street value at €560,000. The Garda noted Knowles was cooperative during interviews and likely unaware of the drugs' value, acting under fear of suppliers. Judge Melanie Greally accepted that Knowles' role was limited to holding the drugs before passing them on, placing him at a lower level of involvement. However, she described his decision to enter the illegal trade as very foolish. Judge Greally handed down a six-year sentence, with the final three years suspended. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC highlighted Knowles' severe heart disease and reliance on multiple medications. The Judge instructed the Prison Service to ensure he received all necessary medicine during his effective three-year custody period.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father-of-three caught holding over 500k in cocaine is jailed. Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at two locations on 9 April, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 9 April Incident
- 2016-04-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at two locations on 9 April, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally said he took a very foolish decision to get involved in the illegal drugs trade before handing down a six year sentence with the final three suspended.
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