A West Kerry man has been jailed for nine months for the possession of over €5,000 worth of drugs.
Fionán Collins, of Mullenaglemig, Dingle appeared before Judge Alec Gabbet at Tralee Circuit Court for sentencing.
The 32-year-old, who had been described as living a bohemian lifestyle, had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of cannabis for sale or supply.
Outlining the evidence Judge Alec Gabbett said Fionán Collins was in the Lidl car park in Dingle at around 1:30pm on 24th September 2022 with another person.
He was searched by a Garda sergeant and found to be in possession of a plastic package with 241 grams of cannabis in his backpack.
The drugs had a value of €5,600, and Mr Collins made admissions that he owned the cannabis.
Determining sentencing, Judge Gabbett outlined aggravating and mitigating factors.
He stated the 32-year-old had a particular problem with cannabis consumption and supplied the drug to friends.
He noted Mr Collins was in a relationship with a culture of smoking cannabis, but he is no longer in that relationship.
Judge Gabbett said this drug is a particular problem in Dingle, and noted that the defendant was not co-operative with Gardaí.
In mitigation, the judge highlighted the early guilty plea, that Mr Collins had expressed remorse and wrote a letter to indicate this.
He noted that Mr Collins had no previous convictions, had a good work history, and is the full-time sole carer for his elderly mother.
Fionán Collins was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with the final three months suspended for a period of four years.
