A 22-year-old Ballina man, with 52 previous convictions, was sentenced to six-months in jail at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
On December 15 2010 at 7.40pm, a drugs search was carried out at 55 Convent Hill Avenue — the residence of David Madden.
During the course of the search a small clear bag containing cannabis herb (€49 worth ) along with a knife, grinder, large foil envelopes and weighing scales was found.
The defendant admitted that the cannabis found was for his own use.
Judge Mary Devins asked the defendant why he therefore had scales, to which Madden said that he would weigh what he bought when he came home. Judge Devins said that she did not believe him.
Solicitor Denis Molloy said that the man, who is almost 23, was last in court over three years ago and since getting out of jail has not taken alcohol and has a partner.
Judge Devins said that his previous convictions were for “all very serious matters”, including three drug offences, and that his activities in December must have given rise to a report to gardaí and therefore “he is not keeping his nose clean”.
The judge convicted and fined him €500 and sentenced him to six months in prison. Recognisance was fixed.
