Clondalkin businessman jailed for money laundering

By Natasha Reid

A 40-year-old businessman has been sentenced to four years in prison for laundering almost €300,000 in drugs money with his brother in an unoccupied apartment.

Stephen Connolly of Rath Gael, Clondalkin in Dublin was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday where he had pleaded guilty to possessing €291,790, while knowing or believing it was the proceeds of crime at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, on May 4, 2017.

The court heard that gardaí found the money rolled and placed in separate bags during a planned search. The defendant’s fingerprints were found on the cash. The court heard that the money had come from drugs and that the defendant’s role was to store and count the money. 

His brother, Mark Connolly, with an address at Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, was previously jailed for two and a half years for his part in the crime.

Dominic McGinn SC, defending, submitted that his client was a family man, who had mental health issues and was on a number of medications. He said that his client was not at the directing end of the operation.

Counsel noted that, as is often an unintended consequence of criminal activity, his client’s imprisonment would cause stress and strain on the innocent members of his family. He handed in what he said was a heartfelt apology from his client.

He explained that the offence had been carried out eight years ago and that, since then, the defendant had continued to provide for his family, and employed a number of staff members in his businesses. Those jobs may be now be in jeopardy as a result of him going into custody, he said.

“I’d ask the court to recognise that he can’t be defined by what happened in May 2017,” said the barrister, describing him as ‘a good man’ outside of this.

Judge Martin Nolan said that Connolly must have been trusted to hold and count the cash, describing his as a significant role.

“I note he’s a bright, competent man with two businesses on the go, employing people, and has family responsibilities,” he said.

He imposed a four-year sentence.