Love/Hate star avoids prison for drug stash

Leroy Harris (20) was told by a judge he must perform 150 hours of work if he is to avoid six months in prison.

He had previously been given a chance to escape conviction completely by taking part in a restorative justice programme.

But Dublin District Court heard he had "made a mess" of this and Judge Michael Walsh proceeded to convict him.

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The accused, of Mariner's Port in the north inner city, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply at Sheriff Street last October 14.

He was caught putting €100 worth of cannabis in his trousers while gardai were carrying out a search near his home.

He pleaded guilty last November and his case was back before the court today for the production of a community service suitability report.

Judge Walsh finalised the case after hearing Harris 
been found suitable.

Previously, the court was told a report from a restorative 
justice programme was negative.

That report stated that Harris "did not understand the consequences of cannabis use for himself and in a general societal sense."

Defence Solicitor Cahir O'Higgins said Harris was regretful.

Judge Walsh said the actor's career seemed to be promising but "he seems to be doing everything he can to jeopardise that" with the offence and his attitude to the programme.

hnews@herald.ie