Clondalkin father gets three years for possession of drugs

By Isabel Hayes

A YOUNG father who was caught with nearly half a million euro worth of drugs has been jailed for three years after the court heard it was his first offence, reports Isabel Hayes.

David Clancy (25), of Oatfield Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of nearly half a million euro worth of heroin, cocaine and a stimulant drug, PVP, for sale or supply at his home and another location in Dublin city on February 2, 2016.

Sentencing Clancy to five years in prison, with the final two years suspended, Judge Elma Sheahan said Clancy’s role as a delivery person was at a “low level”.

But she noted: “It is a significant one in that it allows for the moving of heroin into deprived areas, while allowing the kingpins to step back from the fray.”

Judge Sheahan noted Clancy, a father of one, came from a “solid family background”.

She said he carried out the crime in order to pay off a drug debt of €1,000 and was now substance free. He has no previous convictions.

“I have sympathy for the accused’s family and young son who are clearly impacted from this offence,” Judge Sheahan said. “Testimonials handed up to the court show the love they have for him and the upset they are now enduring.”

Family members cried in court as Clancy was taken into custody. The court heard that gardai believed Clancy was on the bottom rung of the “drugs ladder”. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said he had descended into drugs after the break-up of a relationship.

This led to a drug debt and the “inevitable offer” from suppliers to clear the debt by storing a large consignment of drugs.

Counsel said his client was involved in sports coaching and had attended a drugs awareness course.