Taxi driver with cocaine in car in Limerick avoids conviction

[Dr. Martin Gooter Bling]

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/425921/taxi-driver-with-cocaine-in-car-in-limerick-avoids-conviction.html

A TAXI driver who had a small quantity of cocaine in his car avoided a criminal conviction after he made a contribution to charity.

Andrew Byrne, 47, of The Lawn, Woodbrook Glen, Bray was before Newcastle West Court in relation to a detection in Adare on November 8, last.

Inspector Andrew Lacey said around €100 worth of the drug was located in the “door area” of the defendant’s car when it was stopped by members of the divisional drugs unit.

Solicitor Michael O’Donnell said his client is “not a frequent user of that stuff”.

He said a criminal conviction would have “serious implications” for Mr Byrne and he asked that he be allowed to make a contribution to the Court Poor Box to “save his good record and career”.

Judge Mary Larkin agreed and the matter was struck out after €200 was paid by the defendant.

[silverbullet]

Pity they didn't test him for drugs/alcohol.

[Dr. Martin Gooter Bling]

did he get coked up and fire down the n7 and end up in stab city?

[dalymount]

Probably got a fare to Limerick

[markmiwurdz]

Would have thought normally the "contribution" is a lot higher than 200 Europeanos??

[silverbullet]

We seem to be treated leniently with regards to the use of, transportation and sale of class A drugs.
Aren't Judges great?
I'm guessing the Driver was " Co-operating with drugs Squad".
If I was him I'd get a bigger rear view mirror!

[stonethecrows]

We seem to be treated leniently with regards to the use of, transportation and sale of class A drugs.
Aren't Judges great?
I'm guessing the Driver was " Co-operating with drugs Squad".
If I was him I'd get a bigger rear view mirror!

To hide the gear in

[dalymount]

I thought there was a law passed a few years ago that anyone caught with drugs,regardless of the amount,would get aa mandatory 10 years ?

[Tony]

I thought there was a law passed a few years ago that anyone caught with drugs,regardless of the amount,would get aa mandatory 10 years ?

if your in a certain taxi organisation your immune from  drug prosecutions

[watty]

I thought there was a law passed a few years ago that anyone caught with drugs,regardless of the amount,would get aa mandatory 10 years ?

The drugs have to be above a certain value - think it's €12.5k?  The judges ignored it saying judges do sentencing, not the Dail.  It was a bit more complicated than that but that's the gist.

Still, it's a bit mad he got off so lightly.  Would a bus driver get the same if he was caught with drugs in his bus?  Or be allowed to drive a bus again?

[dalymount]

Absolutely not,but youd find the NBRU would make a case for him,and he would be reinstated.remember Kennedy ??

[markmiwurdz]

We seem to be treated leniently with regards to the use of, transportation and sale of class A drugs.
Aren't Judges great?
I'm guessing the Driver was " Co-operating with drugs Squad".
If I was him I'd get a bigger rear view mirror!

Normally to walk from a Class A possession (without a conviction) it's between 500 and 1000 usually the grand.A lot less obviously for hash.

[silverbullet]

We seem to be treated leniently with regards to the use of, transportation and sale of class A drugs.
Aren't Judges great?
I'm guessing the Driver was " Co-operating with drugs Squad".
If I was him I'd get a bigger rear view mirror!

Normally to walk from a Class A possession (without a conviction) it's between 500 and 1000 usually the grand.A lot less obviously for hash.

The likes of Barry Burns from Balbriggan and this guy had to give someone up for such leniency. I mean, WTF was a Dub licenced Cabbie doing in Rathkeale, or whatever shithole he was caught in?

I'm guessing he's lucky he only had €100 left on him when caught!

And driving a Renault? Ahh FFS!

[Shallowhal]

Has Barry kicked his habit?

[silverbullet]

Has Barry kicked his habit?

Of dealing to Gardaí or using?