AN ENNISCORTHY man who was described as a “puppet on a string” for a €1.2 million drugs operation has escaped jail.

Des Ryan (64) of Belfield Springs and Edward Rooney (54) of Ballinacorribeg, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow were both given ten year suspended sentences after they pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine for sale or supply on April 5, 2012.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the men had been under severe financial pressure when they agreed to transport and collect a bag containing drugs from the UK to Ireland.

Mr Sean Gillane SC, defending Ryan, said his client was suffering from huge money issues as his partner had a debt of €86,000 to the Department of Social Welfare because she had been claiming lone parents allowance while living with him.

Judge Desmond Hogan expressed shock at how “two genuine, honest, well-regarded people” with no previous convictions could have “so stupidly and willingly” become involved in what he described as a “most serious offence”.