Galway court hears man sold cigarettes through network for profit - Courts News Ireland

A man has been given a suspended sentence for selling cigarettes he bought online. Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kestutis Buivydas (53) of Carnmore, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of branded cigarettes with no excise duty stamp present at his home and at a storage unit on the Tuam Road, Galway, on February 29, 2024. Passing

A man has been given a suspended sentence for selling cigarettes he bought online.

Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kestutis Buivydas (53) of Carnmore, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of branded cigarettes with no excise duty stamp present at his home and at a storage unit on the Tuam Road, Galway, on February 29, 2024.

Passing sentence today/yesterday (Thursday), Judge Brian O’Callaghan said this man carried out this offence purely for greed and as a top-up to his other hard-working activities.

Judge O’Callaghan said Revenue and Excise officers knew what this man was up to and that he was going beyond selling to friends and was selling through a network. He noted that Buivydas had compensation in court of €1050, which he directed should be paid to Jigsaw Galway.

The judge said this man clearly has a strong work ethic and cooperated and assisted with the gardai. He said that this man has set up home here, and if Ireland were playing Lithuania in the morning, he would expect him to support Ireland.

Judge O’Callaghan sentenced Buivydas to one year in prison, which he suspended in full for two years.

Garda William Donald told Geri Silke, BL, prosecuting, that a Customs and Excise officer received information regarding the sale and supply of illegal cigarettes at Buivydas’ address. His home was observed between December 2023 and March 2024, and he was seen on numerous occasions leaving his home in Carnmore and travelling to a storage unit.

The court heard that search warrants were obtained for his home and storage unit, and a combined total of over 52,000 cigarettes was seized. Customs and Excise said the potential loss to the state would have been €34,100.

Buivydas took immediate ownership of the cigarettes and said he bought them online and sold them to friends for a small profit. He has not come to the attention of the gardai since this offence.

Gda Donald agreed with Ernest White BL, defending, that his client stated he was buying cigarettes on the internet for €35 and selling them for €40.

Mr White said his client came forward on signed pleas and has no previous convictions. He said Buivydas has lived in Ireland for 23 years, has always worked, and continues to work.

Counsel said the probation report presented to the court highlights that his client accepts full responsibility and expresses remorse and regret for his actions.