'extremely regretful' Rickshaw driver who was caught 'out of the traps' in drug deal avoids jail

A RICKSHAW driver who turned to selling drugs to make ends meet was caught "straight out of the traps" on his first time dealing.

After he was arrested, Christian Rochaprociio (25) went on to sell drugs a second time when he came under pressure to repay what was lost in the first bust.

Judge Brian O'Shea gave him an eight-month suspended sentence.

Father-of-one Rochaprociio, of Clonshaugh Park, Coolock, admitted having cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis for sale or supply.

Dublin District Court heard gardaí saw the accused acting suspiciously on Grafton Street on December 8, 2019.

When stopped and searched, he was found with 48 ecstasy tablets worth €480, €60 worth of cannabis and €50 worth of cocaine.

Garda Sergeant Gail Smith said that on February 9, 2020, the accused was again searched and had five bags of cocaine on him to the value of €350 as well as €290 worth of ecstasy.

Gardaí said Rochaprociio was cooperative and had no previous convictions.

He had come from Brazil to build a better life for himself, and his plan was to study in Europe.

Rochaprociio had been working as a cleaner and paying a "considerable amount of rent", his lawyer said.

Things did not go to plan and he did not want to go back home "cap in hand".

He came into contact with people driving rickshaws and selling drugs.

"He was caught pretty much straight out of the traps on his first occasion selling drugs," his lawyer said.

He was "extremely regretful" for his stupidity.

When he was caught the second time, he had agreed to sell drugs again to pay off his debt.

Rochaprociio had since "turned his life around" and was working as a delivery driver.

Judge O'Shea accepted the accused was under financial duress, but said he was the "author of his own misfortune".

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