He’s facing prison time.
Rachel Allen’s eldest son is appealing his two-month jail sentence after he was convicted of a minor drug charge.
Joshua is the celebrity chef’s eldest son, and last year pleaded not guilty to drug possession.
The 21-year-old was convicted for possession of €280 of cocaine in East Cork in July 2020 and is currently on bail pending his appeal.
During a sentencing hearing in Midleton District Court yesterday, it was said that Joshua had been released from Cork Prison in May 2020 for a previous offence, and the current case arose “within five weeks”.
The judge added that the case was more serious as Joshua had failed to take responsibility for the possession of drugs at the Pontoon, stating in the Probation Report that it indicated that Joshua was at a “high risk of reoffending.”
Joshua’s solicitor Don Ryan said that he was progressing in life, especially over the last few months, training five days a week in Mixed Martial Arts and two days a week of farmwork.
Joshua has also started up his own stone carving business as he is said to have a “flair” for craftsmanship. He has also cut ties with anyone involved in drink and drugs.
Ryan said: “He has cut all of that out of his life. He couldn’t be doing what he is doing if that was in his life. He is doing well. He has made huge efforts. He is following up with Cuan Mhuire (Addiction) aftercare by Zoom on Saturdays.”
He added that the Covid situation was “very alive” when Joshua was released from prison and the standard Probation Service wasn’t available due to this.
While this was said, it was pointed out that the Probation Service was taking over the phone supports during that time.
Judge Gabbett sentenced Joshua to two months in prison, with Ryan entering an appeal leading to the 21-year-old being released on bail on his own bond of €400.
This conviction is a triggering offence as he has an outstanding suspended sentence over a previous drug issue.
The case is now listed for September 7th at the Cork Circuit Criminal Court, and they will rule on a 15 month suspended sentence he faces from a 2019 cannabis conviction.
