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Donal O'Regan, 16 Dec
A LIMERICK man caught with cocaine and cannabis to the value of
€323,000 was at the “top of the pyramid” of an organised criminal drugs
operation, Limerick Criminal Circuit Court heard.
John Earls, aged 58, of Ballykeeffe Estate, Dooradoyle, pleaded guilty
to three charges of having drugs for sale or supply over €13,000.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor
Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Garda Daniel
Dillon, of the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Earls was “the main protagonist in a
sophisticated and largescale drugs distribution network”.
On April 26, 2021, gardai carried out an intelligence-led operation
targeting Mr Earls and associates involved in the sale and / or supply
of drugs.
The court heard that gardai observed Mr Earls make an exchange at a car
park in the Corbally area on April 26, 2021.
They stopped both cars and found one kilo of cannabis, valued at almost
€20,000, in each car. Mr Earls later told gardai he was giving two tins
of paint to a man referred to as “Joe the painter”.
Garda Dillon said CCTV did not reflect this and no tins of paint were
found in either car.
Mr O’Sullivan said as a “follow on” from the interception of the
vehicles, gardai searched an apartment in Henry Street which Mr Earls
has access to. He had keys to lock boxes in the apartment where gardai
discovered cannabis valued at €118,401 and cocaine, €166,205.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Earls described his role as a “drug runner”, “got
involved as an act of desperation” and “hoped to make extra money from
the mission”.
The court heard he was in the army for three and a half years, was a
musician in a band and worked in England. He doesn’t have a bank
account and had €20 in a post office account.
The accused has epilepsy and requires medication.
Brian McInerney SC, defending, put it to the garda that Mr Earls has no
trappings of wealth.
“I disagree with that,” said Garda Dillon. The garda said the defendant
is at the “top of the pyramid”.
Mr McInerney said his client receives social welfare and there has been
no investigation by Revenue or CAB.
In mitigation for Mr Earls, counsel said the drugs belonged to someone
else, made admissions regarding his role, pleaded guilty, drives a
13-year-old car and is in receipt of social welfare, which reflects
that he has no trappings of wealth.
The court also heard Mr Earls family have shunned him and his 15-year
relationship is over.
Judge Colin Daly, in delivering sentence, said the accused’s
culpability must be high as he voluntarily engaged in, and took a very
active part, in organised crime.
The judge said the suggestion that this was done to relieve his
financial hardship is “no excuse” and that Mr Earls was doing so “for
his own gain”.
Judge Daly said organised crime of this type poses a very serious
danger to society generally and local communities.
The judge said other aggravating factors are the value of the drugs -
over €300,000. He said Mr Earls was involved in the dealing,
distribution and whole organisation of that enterprise and,
particularly, arranging that flat as a storehouse for drugs.
The judge took into account Mr Earls’ plea of guilty at an early stage,
his co-operation with the garda investigation, no previous convictions,
his medical history and age.
“Prison will be difficult for him,” said Judge Daly, who imposed a
six-year jail sentence.