Judge Mary Fahy of Galway District Court has referred to three separate and unrelated drug offense cases against NUIG students as like something from "'Breaking Bad'", according to The Independent.
The three students were convicted in separate cases with all students attending NUIG campus and having an address in Galway. They had been studying law, mechanical engineering and chemistry.
Chemistry student, Sean Curran (21), from Co. Meath, was the first of the students to be dealt with. He pleaded guilty to being found in possession of cannabis, ecstasy and ketamine, at his student accommodation in Dun na Coiribe on December 14, 2016, and pleaded guilty to having the cannabis for sale or supply to others on the same date. Judge Fahy commented: “He is a chemistry student and he’s involved in this. It reminds me of ‘Breaking Bad'". The judge said Curran came from a wealthy background in Meath and his dealing drugs was not borne out of any kind of financial hardship.
The second student to be dealt with was Jack McDonnell (23), with an address in Dun na Coiribe, a law graduate who is currently studying for his LLB. The court heard he had signed for a package containing €1936 worth of cannabis on May 16, 2016.
Gardai in Galway had been alerted to the package containing cannabis through the postal system and carried out a controlled delivery to McDonnell's address. Gardai returned to the address moments later and found the drugs in McDonnell’s bedroom. He pleaded guilty to having cannabis for sale or supply and to having the drug in his possession on the date in question.
Fintan Canavan (22), a third-year mechanical engineering student, with an address in student accommodation at Dun na Coiribe, Headford Road, Galway, received a six-month prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to having €4,080 worth of cannabis for sale or supply to others on March 25, 2016.
“Well, isn’t that embarrassing? How many students from NUIG were in here today?” Judge Fahy asked. During Canavan's defense, Garda Orla Flatley said "he said he wanted to make money for college" to which Canavan's solicitor replied, "it seems to be a growing trend among students". “Well, if it’s a growing trend, they will have to expand Castlerea Prison,” Judge Fahy replied.
Highlighting Canavan and the other two students present that day, Judge Fahy acknowledged she would not be lenient with young people who think being a student is a form of defense. She stated that they had been given an opportunity to attend college, and abused that privilege with sheer greed; as such, she sought to send out a message to hopefully deter other students from following suit, by sentencing Canavan to six months in prison. Leave to appeal the sentence was granted.
The judge adjourned Curran's sentencing until October 8 as the court waits for urine analysis test results and a Garda behaviour report. McDonnell has not yet been sentenced as Judge Fahy has to consider testimonials and proof that McDonnell is in college and pursuing his course. She adjourned the matter to next week’s court for that purpose.
Curran, McDonnell, and Canavan had references handed to the court.
H/T: Independent.ie
