A judge told an Offaly man who had pleaded guilty to a series of charges relating to the illegal animal drugs trade that if he named his suppliers and customers, he could avoid a 15-month prison sentence. Judge John Neilan at Tullamore District Court was told the defendant had been used by greedy and dangerous people.
He recalled that at a recent drugs case in Sligo, a young man had told him that "it was not worth his kneecaps" to name those who had supplied him.
"If we as a democracy cannot stand against subversive elements, then we may as well pack it up," he said in the District Court yesterday.
Frank Deegan (43), a single man from Lynally, Mucklagh, Co Offaly had pleaded guilty to a total of 20 summonses. His counsel, Mr Colm Smyth, had pleaded for mercy for his client, who had three previous convictions going back to 1987.
Deegan, who owns the Midland Veterinary Supplies store at Market Square, Tullamore, was stopped by gardai outside Birr on October 9th last. His van was searched by a Department of Agriculture investigator, Mr Declan Holmes.
In the van, Mr Holmes found syringes which were manufactured for injecting illegal growth promoters. He went on to find syringes at the defendant's home and business in Tullamore. He also found antibiotics which should be prescribed only by vets.
Mr Tony Adams, a Department of Agriculture veterinary inspector, said that when the syringes were examined, residues of four illegal growth promoters were found on nine of the needles.
Mr Eanna Mulloy, counsel for the Department of Agriculture and Food, said Deegan had three previous convictions under the Animal Remedies Act for possession and supply of illegal drugs. The last conviction was in January 1994.
Deegan's counsel Mr Smyth said Deegan was coming into court "with his hands up" and was seeking mercy. He said Deegan would voluntarily close down his business because he realised he was in the sway of greedy people who had used him.
Judge Neilan said it was very late now to make that decision and Deegan was greedy himself because he was back before the court again. However, if he co-operated with the authorities the judge would suspend the 15-month prison sentence he was imposing.
The judge said there were other people who would move in to take over if Mr Deegan did not co-operate with the authorities and name his suppliers and customers.
Mr Smyth said there was no evidence that Deegan had not been co-operative with the authorities when he was caught. He was now proposing to close down his business, which involved the sale of animal feed and supplies.
The judge imposed prison sentences totalling 15 months on Deegan and disqualified him from driving for seven years. He also fined Deegan's company a total of £7,500 on ten summonses and Mr Deegan a further £750 on one of the summonses.
He adjourned the matter until February 2nd next, waiting for probation reports and to see if Deegan had co-operated with the Department of Agriculture investigators.