A youth who became involved in a multi-million euro heroin operation after deciding to “go for a spin” in his cousin’s car has received a six-year jail sentence.
Solomon Spencer (19) of Lansdowne Gate, Dublin 12 had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of heroin for sale or supply of heroin valued at €1.3 million at Boomer’s carpark, Woodford Walk, Clondalkin on January 23rd, 2009.
A further cache of heroin valued at €1.9 million was found in a second car occupied by two other men.
His co-accused John Paul Cawley (30) of Lugdoon, Doocastle, Ballymoate, Sligo; Andrew Meeson (40) of The Hawthorns, Carraroe, Sligo; Greg O’Brien (20) of Dolphins Road, Drimnagh also pleaded guilty to possession of heroin for sale or supply on the same occasion. They were jailed for 10 years each last May.
Judge Katherine Delahunt said that the court acknowledged Spencer became involved in the offence because he accepted an invitation from his cousin O’Brien to join him on the delivery run in his car.
However, she said that Spencer had an awareness of what was happening and was aware that the transaction was drug-related.
Judge Delahunt said the court took in to account Spencer’s age, his turbulent childhood, his early plea and admissions as to his role.
She said that she was satisfied that Spencer’s involvement was at the lowest level and said that the court was impressed with Spencer’s desire to continue with his education.
Suspending the last three years of his six-year sentence, Judge Delahunt ordered that Spencer attend whatever vocational, educational and counselling programmes deemed necessary while he was in prison.