A man who came to Ireland for a “better life” and fell victim to a rental scam has been spared a prison sentence for drug dealing

Thayla Conceicao Marini (28) was trying to “get back on his feet” when gardaí found him with several types of drugs worth more than €2,700.

Judge Bryan Smyth gave him a nine-month suspended sentence.

Marini, of North Strand Road, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Dublin District Court heard he was seen in a transaction with an unknown man in Brooklawn, Clontarf, on December 1 last year.

As gardaí approached, Marini attempted to escape but was arrested and searched. Cash worth 400 euros was found on him. During a further search, gardaí found cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, LSD and ecstasy.

The total value was €2,706. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Marini came to Ireland in October last year to “make a better life for herself” but fell victim to a fraud, said defense lawyer Claire Finnegan. He had tried to rent a property but when he went there there was no one to pick him up.

A former friend told him he would help him so he could make a living.

“That’s how he got involved,” Ms Finnegan said.

She added that it was very unfortunate that shortly after his arrival he found himself in a situation he had not expected. He wouldn’t take that position again.

The defendant now worked as a cleaner and learned English