A recovering drug addict has avoided a jail term despite being caught with almost €80,000 worth of ecstasy and cocaine in October 2011.
A court has heard that since his arrest, Paul Caffrey of Griffith Close in Finglas, has turned his attention to helping other addicts.
From the stand, Paul Caffrey said getting caught by Gardai had been the best thing for him as it allowed him to change his life 100percent.
On Oct 21st 2011, the 32-year-old was stopped leaving his neighbour's house by officers who suspected him of drug dealing in the Finglas area.
16,000 ecstasy tablets belonging to Mr. Caffrey were found in her home and some cocaine was found during a follow up search at his flat.
He eventually made full admissions and appeared before the court today as a man who had turned his life around, according to his lawyer.
He's now clean, has a full time job and coaches other addicts towards recovery at the Coolmine Rehabilitation Centre.
Taking what she described as "exceptional circumstances" into account, Judge Mary Ellen Ring handed down a seven year sentence but suspended it in full for three years.
