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Football coach had €700 of cocaine to share with his friends, court told

Stephen Rogers (22) came from a good family, and his mother had been shocked when she learned of her son’s behaviour.

Today at 06:54

A football coach found with cocaine after a search of his home had planned to share the drug with his friends, a court heard.

Stephen Rogers (22) came from a good family, and his mother had been shocked when she learned of her son’s behaviour.

Judge William Alymer applied the probation act, saying he accepted Rogers was making great strides in his recovery.

The defendant admitted possession of €700 worth of cocaine for sale or supply at Rinawade Avenue in Leixlip, Co Kildare.

Garda Patrick O’Leary told Blanchardstown District Court that gardaí obtained a warrant and searched the defendant’s home on May 21, 2022.

During the search, cocaine, a digital weighing scales and €800 cash were found.

The court heard the defendant had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Claire Finnegan said this incident happened when Rogers was only 19, when he was hanging out with the wrong peer group, but that he no longer associated with them.

Ms Finnegan said Rogers came from a good family, and his mother was very shocked at what had happened.

She said the defendant had attended counselling, was going to the gym, and playing and coaching for his local football team.

Ms Finnegan said Rogers was dealing with his addiction, and she asked the judge to leave him without a conviction.