Brandon Hennessy, a 21-year-old man from Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possessing €32,000 worth of drugs, including cocaine and heroin. Hennessy, who was just 17 years old at the time of the offence, faced charges related to the sale or supply of cocaine in Blanchardstown on January 21, 2021.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Hennessy admitted to the charge after an investigation by gardaí. Detective Garda Dan Sweeney told the court that a surveillance operation had been set up in the area near the Technological University of Dublin (TUD) in Blanchardstown. The authorities observed Hennessy and another man arrive on an off-road motorcycle, carrying large packages. Upon being approached by gardaí, the pair dropped the bags and fled the scene. Hennessy was eventually apprehended at Mulhuddart Cemetery after a brief pursuit.
A subsequent search revealed 454 grams of cocaine valued at €31,808, along with 10 grams of heroin worth €1,482. Hennessy, who was a month away from turning 18 at the time, has two minor road traffic convictions. His defense lawyer, Hugh Hartnett SC, highlighted that Hennessy had been a talented footballer and had engaged well with a youth service between 2018 and 2019.
Additionally, Hartnett revealed that Hennessy had experienced significant trauma, having witnessed the murder of his father, Jason Hennessy Snr, on Christmas Eve 2023. This loss had placed additional stress on Hennessy’s mother, for whom he had been a strong support.
Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Hennessy’s tragic circumstances, his cooperation with the investigation, and the positive testimonials in his favor. He emphasized that Hennessy had been young at the time of the offence and expressed belief that he would not reoffend. As a result, Judge Nolan imposed a three-year sentence but suspended it in full, contingent on Hennessy engaging with the Probation Service for 18 months.
The court’s decision reflected consideration of Hennessy’s youth, the personal tragedy he had endured, and his positive qualities.