Ireland Probationary garda fined €400 for cocaine possession in Killarney
In the early hours of 6 February 2023, gardaí on patrol in Well Lane, Killarney, found two deal bags of white powder on Shane O'Sullivan, a 26-year-old man who was a serving probationary member of An Garda Síochána. He was conveyed to Killarney Garda station, where he admitted the powder was cocaine. O'Sullivan pleaded guilty at Killarney District Court to possession of cocaine for sale or supply under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and a separate possession charge was withdrawn by the State. Judge David Waters imposed a fine of €400, noting that O'Sullivan's status as a probationary garda was an aggravating factor while his guilty plea and first conviction were taken into account. O'Sullivan had immediately resigned from An Garda Síochána following the incident.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced29 Jan
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two deal bags of white powder, identified as cocaine, were found on Shane O'Sullivan.
- Where
- Well Lane, Killarney, Co Kerry.
- When
- Early hours of 6 February 2023, at 3.20am.
- Investigation
- Gardaí on patrol observed two males acting suspiciously; O'Sullivan was conveyed to Killarney Garda station where further searches were conducted and he admitted ownership of the powder and that it was cocaine.
- Charges
- O'Sullivan was charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act; a separate possession charge was withdrawn by the State.
- In court
- O'Sullivan pleaded guilty at Killarney District Court before Judge David Waters.
- Sentence
- Judge Waters imposed a fine of €400.
- Other details
- O'Sullivan was a serving probationary member of An Garda Síochána at the time and immediately resigned; the judge noted his status as a probationary garda was an aggravating factor, while his guilty plea and first conviction were taken into account.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatO'Sullivan admitted ownership of the powder and that it was cocaine. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe was a serving probationary member of An Garda Síochána at the time of the offence. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe immediately resigned his position from An Garda Síochána. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe had never come to the notice of gardaí previously or since. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred in the early hours on 6 February 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- whenGardaí were on patrol at 3.20am when they observed two males acting suspiciously. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe offence was contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge noted that being a probationary garda was an aggravating factor. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA charge of possession was withdrawn by the State. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceJudge David Waters imposed a fine of €400. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 29 Jan2025Garda’s career ‘went up in smoke’ after he was found with two bags of cocaine
Sentencing at Killarney District Court: fine of €400 imposed, possession charge withdrawn, judge noted being a probationary garda was an aggravating factor, guilty plea and first conviction taken into account.
convicted, 26, male, irish (judged from name)