Courts

Student rugby player had debt from using cannabis for injury pain, court told

Darragh Kelly (23) was caught with two bags of cannabis with an estimated street value of €9,804

Judge Melanie Greally said Darragh Kelly (23) was not profiting from his actions but was trying to reduce a significant drug debt. Photograph: iStock

Declan Brennan
Mon Jul 11 2022 - 15:36

A student rugby player built up a drug debt from using cannabis to manage pain from an injury, a court has heard.

Darragh Kelly (23) of Sarto Lawns, Sutton, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful possession for sale or supply of cannabis at James Larkin Road, Raheny, Dublin 17 on April 7th, 2020.

Kelly was caught by gardaí with two bags of cannabis with an estimated street value of €9,804.

Defending counsel Keith Spencer told the court that Kelly had built up a drug debt of €4,000 by using cannabis as a form of pain management. He said Kelly came under threats and because of these he agreed to move the drugs from one place to another. He was a 21-year-old student at the time living at home with his parents and was smoking cannabis, the court heard. Mr Spencer said Kelly had been involved in playing rugby at “quite a high level” until he was injured.

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He said Kelly’s difficulties arose after he stopped playing but that he is now back coaching.

Judge Melanie Greally said that Kelly was not profiting from his actions but was trying to reduce a significant drug debt. She noted a number of character references provided in his support, the absence of previous convictions, the strong family support and a good employment history. She also noted he has taken positive steps to address his cannabis use.

She imposed a 15-month prison term but suspended it entirely on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

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