A man described as the leader of the gang responsible for most of the drugs in Limerick was jailed for 10 years at the city's circuit criminal court yesterday.
Christy Keane (41), Singland Gardens, Ballysimon, Limerick, was caught with 19.5 kg of cannabis by three Garda detectives at St Munchin's Street last August 21st. The cannabis, which was contained in a coal sack, was being carried by Keane across some waste ground when he was apprehended. It had a street value of €240,000 and was sufficient to make 190,969 hand-rolled cigarettes, the court heard.
Keane pleaded not guilty to possession of the drug worth in excess of €12,697 for sale or supply. He had said he was incorrectly identified by the gardaí. He claimed to be carrying a bridle and a rope for a horse when he was then confronted by them.
A defence witness, who cannot be named because he is before the court on a charge, said he was carrying "a sack of hash" when he saw a garda coming towards him. He had dropped the sack and hid himself.
Supt Gerry Mahon of Roxboro Garda station told the court that Keane, a father of two, was not a drugs courier but a gang leader who had no known means of income and was living in a private house. He had a criminal record dating back to 1978 when he was convicted of larceny in a juvenile court.
Judge Seán O'Leary refused leave for appeal. Before convicting Keane, he said that while his previous convictions were not exceptional in character, he was a substantial operator in the drugs scene as evidenced by his ownership of a sizeable cache of drugs.
After sentencing, Judge O'Leary referred to a court atmosphere which he described as hostile to the jury. On Thursday, the first day of the trial, he ordered a person out of the court for acting in an intimidatory manner towards the jury. He was not suggesting Keane was responsible but he did not want it to happen again, he said.