GARDAI SAW MAN PASS DRUGS TO NEPHEW

A Dublin man whose uncle threw him a bag containing #1,000 worth of heroin
when gardai stopped them for a search was jailed for five years in Dublin
Criminal Court.

Garda Traolach Shortt said David Dunne (27), of Rossmore Avenue,
Ballyfermot, was addicted to heroin but was not a major player by any means
in the drugs trade. He was only assisting his uncle, Mr Niall Dunne (54),
who has absconded.

Mr Niall Dunne admitted ownership of two mobile phones found during a search
of a caravan in which he lived in squalid conditions on Old Farmhouse Road.

Judge Cyril Kelly remarked: "Clearly the main player was his uncle who is
currently unlawfully at large. He passed the drugs to the accused."

Judge Kelly agreed with defence counsel, Mr Tom O'Connell BL, that David
Dunne was only a minor player, but added: "Even minor players can win an
Oscar".

David Dunne pleaded guilty to possessing heroin for sale or supply in
Ballyfermot on March 13th, 1996.

Garda Shortt agreed with Mr O'Connell that Niall Dunne was carrying the
heroin when the gardai approached. He became aggressive and took the bag
from his pocket and passed it to his nephew.

The bag contained 46 individual deals of heroin worth #1,000. Both Dunnes
were using heroin, and the accused was also abusing alcohol.