Man ‘totally changed his life around’ since he was caught with €20 worth of cocaine
GETTING caught with €20 worth of cocaine landed a man before Tallaght District Court.
Stephen Mannering’s solicitor, Michael Hennessy, told Judge Patricia McNamara that his client had “totally changed his life” since the incident.
Mannering, aged 28, with an address at Allenton Drive, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to simple possession of cocaine at a location in Tallaght on October 19, 2016.
Sergeant Michael Ahern told Judge McNamara that at 5.40pm on the above date, the gardai stopped and searched Mannering as they found him to be acting suspiciously.
Sgt Ahern said Mannering was found in possession of €20 worth of cocaine. He said Mannering had been “fully cooperative”.
Sgt Ahern said Mannering had no previous convictions for drug offences.
Mr Hennessy said the incident had been “during a difficult period” in Mannering’s life.
He said Mannering had “totally changed his life around” and was currently studying a pre-university course.
Mr Hennessy said Mannering would like to end up studying in TU Dublin-Tallaght.
He asked the judge to leave Mannering without a drugs conviction. Judge McNamara adjourned the case to a date in March for Mannering to pay €250 to Cancer Research. If the donation is paid on the next date, the case will be struck out.
