Kildare man jailed for transporting €200K cannabis

Kenneth Philpott, a 64-year-old man from Kildare, has been sentenced to three years in prison for possessing over €200,000 worth of cannabis. He was caught by police while driving in a bus lane, attempting to pay off a €2,000 gambling debt. Philpott pleaded guilty to the charges, stating he felt terrified of the people he was working for. The court heard he was coerced into transporting the drugs, which included 7kg found in his car and more at his home. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Philpott's cooperation and lack of prior convictions, reducing the typical ten-year sentence to three years due to mitigating circumstances. Philpott has expressed remorse and is receiving counseling for his gambling issues.