THE 18-YEAR sentence imposed on Michael Byrne is one of a number of recent heavy sentences for drug-dealing. The imposition of such a sentence for involvement in drug-trafficking, while heavy, is not unprecedented.
It exceeds by a considerable amount the mandatory 10-year sentence for drug-dealing, though this is subject to the discretion of the judge. This discretion has often led to a lesser sentence in the light of the circumstances of the accused, including whether or not there was a guilty plea, or if there was coercion involved, or whether the accused gave assistance to the Garda.
Byrne did not plead guilty and had 19 previous convictions, which would have had a bearing on the length of his sentence. Judge Frank ODonnell also made it clear he regarded him as a “drug baron”, and stated he wanted to “send out a message” with the sentence. Previous high sentences for drug offences have included the 20 years imposed on Patrick “Dutchy” Holland and 28 years on John Gilligan, both also suspects in the murder of Veronica Guerin, though they were not convicted of this crime.
Gilligan was convicted of possession of an estimated 20,000kg of cannabis resin over a two-year period and was jailed for 28 years, which was later reduced on appeal to 20 years. Holland’s 20-year sentence was reduced to 12 years on appeal.
Among those who have recently received the mandatory 10-year sentence recently are Darragh Small, of Iveagh Gardens, Crumlin, who was convicted by a jury after a five-day trial for holding on to half a kilo of heroin, and James O’Reilly of Earlsfort Road, Lucan, who pleaded guilty to having a loaded revolver, ammunition and quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines.