A Polish man who had in the region of €1,500 worth of drugs on two occasions when gardaí searched his house, has been given a five month suspended sentence for drug dealing.
Marek Rose of 9 Derravarra, Mullingar admitted to having the drugs in his possession for sale or supply when officers called to his home in February 2009 and March of this year.
Detective Pat Thornton told Mullingar District Court how he had obtained a warrant to search the house on February 24 last year and found €1,450 worth of cannabis, or 127 grams.
The 35-year-old was polite and co-operative.
The detective went on to describe how on March 15 this year one of his colleagues mounted a second search at the house and found €1,400 worth of cannabis herb.
The drug was openly visible in a bowl on the table, not hidden away, he explained.
Rose had no previous convictions.
Mr Robert Marren said his client had been given the drugs in March by a friend who was returning to Poland and owed him money for tattoos he had given him.
He shared the house with three other people and now has a part-time job.
He said his client was not selling it but had been using it.
Mr Marren admitted that his client had been “too casual” about the drug and didn’t realise the significance of having it on his kitchen table.
The judge imposed a five month sentence which he suspended for two years on condition Rose be of good behaviour.
