Dublin dad who sold cocaine to undercover gardaí three times avoids jail

Daniel Rafferty (44) had "fallen off the wagon" and was dealing to fund his own significant drug habit at the time.

Judge David McHugh spared him jail, giving him a six-month suspended sentence.

Rafferty, of Greenfort Lawns, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Blanchardstown District Court heard the incidents happened at Greenfort Lawns on February 11, 18 and 20, 2020.

The total value was €80.

Rafferty had previous convictions and an intermittent drug problem over the years, defence barrister Ciaran MacLoughlin said.

The accused had been out of trouble for nine years and the amounts of drugs in these latest cases were small, but the offences were repetitive, the court heard.

After an accident, Rafferty went "cold turkey" in hospital and had been on the straight and narrow since.

Judge McHugh said he took the gap in offending into consideration and suspended the sentence for two years but warned the accused "may well" face prison if he reoffends.