Jail time for “openly dealing drugs” at the bus station

A man was sentenced to ten months in prison at Galway District Court this week for “openly dealing drugs” at the city Coach Station and other charges.

Thomas Gibbons (28), resident at Fairgreen Hostel, appeared for sentencing on multiple drugs, public order, and failure to appear before the court charges.

The court heard that on March 24 of 2018 Gardaí were near the coach station when they saw two men make a hand to hand transaction.

Gibbons handed something over to the other man and was observed receiving money in return.

He was searched by gardaí at the scene which uncovered a small quantity of cannabis and scales. A second search back at Mill St Garda station where a larger amount of cannabis worth €1,100 was uncovered.

Gardaí charged him with the possession of drugs for sale or supply and simple possession.

Less than a month after this, on April 11, Gibbons was caught by gardaí with €300 worth of cannabis and was charged with possession.

At a sitting of Galway District Court the week prior to this Gibbons had an eight month prison sentence reactivated for failure to complete community service.

Judge Mary Fahy said that Gibbons had “ample opportunity” to engage with Probation and Community Services in the past.

“He’s openly dealing drugs in the city, in public, at the train or bus station”, Judge Fahy said.

“In front of families and children and all of the people who go through,” she added.

Solicitor for the defence Brian Gilmartin said that Gibbons has struggled with cannabis addiction.

For the possession with the intent to sell charge from the bus station Judge Fahy imposed a nine month prison sentence, and one month concurrent for the possession charges.

Gibbons also faced two public order charges. The first took place on July 13, 2018 when a garda mobile patrol noticed two men making a disturbance across from the garda station at 22:55pm.

The two men were extremely drunk and shouting abuse at passersby, prompting gardaí to arrest them.

The second incident before the court took place on Dominick Street on October 11.

Gardaí charged Gibbons with threatening and abusive behaviour, which included shouting “You’re a dickhead” and “get the fuck away from me”at officers.

For the Dominick Street offence Judge Fahy gave a one month prison sentence, consecutive to the rest of the sentence, along with one month concurrent for the second set of charges.

The final matters before the court were two charges of failing to appear before the court while on bail, for which he received a one month concurrent sentence on each.