'You're in it for the handy buck' - Judge tells drug dealing student to 'stop selling poison to children' following garda raid at his home

A 25-year-old architectural student pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for sale or supply after a Garda raid at his Monaghan home found over €4,000 worth of cannabis herb and almost €1,400 in cash. Investigating Gardaí also found evidence of drug dealing activity on his phone. He entered additional guilty pleas to money laundering and cannabis possession for personal use, despite having no previous convictions. The judge accused him of poisoning children and ruining lives, questioning his compassion and motives. The defendant said he became involved due to financial difficulties, but the judge responded by suggesting charges should be withdrawn and the drugs returned, while expressing anger at the impact of his actions.

"Judge Raymond Finnegan accused Bendera Abekyamwale (25) of "poisoning children" who was only interested in making a "handy buck" when officers found over €4,000 of cannabis herb and almost €1,400 in cash following a planned search at The Oaks, Lough Na Glack, Carrickmacross, Monaghan on March 13 last year."

""Now sir, what have you got to say for yourself ruining lives with your poison? Judge Finnegan asked. "How many lives have you ruined and how many suicides have you caused?" When Abekyamwale, who stood impassively beside his solicitor Roísín Courtney, appeared to hesitate and indicate his uncertainty, Judge Finnegan accused him of being absent of any compassion."

""You're in it for the handy buck, isn't that right?" Abekyamwale attempted to pour cold water on that insinuation by insisting his only motivation in becoming involved in drug dealing activity was because of money troubles he had been experiencing at the time."

""Ah, that's grand so," snapped Judge Finnegan in response as he offered a tongue-in-cheek invitation to court presenter Sgt Lisa McEntee. "Sgt, this man shouldn't have been charged because he was struggling financially," he said. "I think you should withdraw the charges and give him back the drugs.""

Read at Irish Independent