Dean Thornton and Gary Kelly are set for sentencing after admitting to their roles in an organised crime sub-cell operating in Drogheda.
Two criminals who operated a drug-dealing sub-cell for the Boylan Organised Crime Group in Drogheda are facing sentence after admitting money-laundering and organised crime offences.. Emerging rap artist Dean Thornton (28) and his co-accused Gary Kelly (28), both of Moneymore in Drogheda, pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Court to facilitating the Boylan Organised Crime Group from July 2023 to September 2024.. Thornton, who was described as ‘director of the sub-cell’ also pleaded guilty to money
laundering on behalf of the Boylan Organised Crime Group .. Kelly, who was described as “a puppet following directions, but a vital cog in the operation,” admitted to money laundering and drug dealing offences for the same crime group.. Thornton has 18 previous convictions while Kelly has 88 previous convictions, the court heard.. The investigation into both criminals stemmed from an investigation into the activities of the Boylan Organised Crime Group, headed by two brothers,
Keith and Josh Boylan, also from Moneymore, Detective Garda Niall McManus told Dundalk District Court.. He said both Thornton and Kelly “were involved in a subcell involved in drug distribution on behalf of the Boylan Organised Crime Group, and sold drugs on an online shop called Poundland.” The court heard there was a “command structure” to the sub-cell where Thornton was managing the financial end of the operation and ordering “workers” what to do.. “Thornton
was a level above Kelly and there is evidence both worked for the Boylan Organised Crime Group,” he said.. He said Kelly was “conducting drug deals and providing mobile numbers and Revolut details for payment.” The court heard Poundland was set up by both criminals on Instagram and Telegram between June 2023 and September 2024 where they sold cocaine and cannabis in the Louth and Meath areas.. Both created the Poundland logo to promote the
illegal online shop and both had access to it through their personal Instagram accounts under their names ‘Dean Thornton AMF’ and ‘Gary Kelly AMF’.. Det Gda McManus told the court AMF refers to ‘Anti-Maguire faction’, “Maguires being the other side of the Drogheda feud.” “Poundland was under the control of Thornton selling large amounts of drugs sourced by the Boylan Organised Crime Group from abroad,” Det Gda McManus said.. The Poundland logo also appeared in
one of Thornton’s rap videos Real Street Kids where he referenced the Drogheda feud and drug dealing under his rap name Dean Thornton AMF.. The court heard Real Street Kids rap and video, which formed part of the investigation, was Thornton’s ‘most successful rap video,’ to date.. The court also heard local MMA fighters were approached to “display the Poundland logo” on their social media accounts.. He said Poundland on Telegram was being monitored by
the Louth Divisional Drugs Unit and the drugs “originated from California via the airport and were being sold in pounds and not kilograms.” He said five mobile phone numbers were linked to the Poundland online shop which were then linked back to Thornton and Kelly.. Weekly messages were put on Telegram showing a wide variety of cannabis and cocaine for sale.. Det Gda McManus said there were a number of young people involved in the
network which “made it difficult to police in the Moneymore area.” He said the drugs unit were having difficulty dismantling the organisation and members of the Garda National Undercover Unit became involved.. Det Gda McManus said on several occasions Kelly and workers for Poundland sold cocaine and cannabis to the undercover gardai.. There was also evidence given where money Thornton laundered was connected to Keith Boylan, the head of the Boylan Organised Crime Group, as
gardai were satisfied “Boylan had control of a Revolut account the money was transferred into.” When Thornton was arrested on January 21, 2025 on suspicion of facilitating the activities of an organised crime group, he made ‘no comment’ in seven interviews but then made ‘some admissions.’ Thornton told gardai: “I just want to say I have been involved in criminal activity but in the last three to four weeks I stepped away as I want
to leave the past in the past to focus on my daughter.” He also told gardai he “regrets” his involvement, the court heard.. “I stepped away from everything to focus on my daughter,” he said, but admitted violence, threats and criminal damage.. He also admitted to gardai his role in drug dealing but said he “didn’t rank as director,” of the sub-cell.. “I was involved in the selling of drugs but not a director,” Thornton
told gardai.. Kelly made no comment during interviews and “nothing of evidential value” came from the interviews, the court heard.. Defence counsel for Thornton said the 28-year-old dad-of-one intends to turn away from criminality and had been involved in drug dealing since his teenage years.. “He grew up in that lifestyle and environment,” defence counsel said.. “He has a love for rap and identifies as a rap artist.. He raps about his upbringing, crime and
mental health and intends to pursue a career in rapping,” defence counsel said, adding “It’s a tangible career.” In a letter apologising for his actions, Thornton took responsibility and said he does not intend to be involved in anything that will bring him before the courts again.. He wants to gain full time employment to support his family.. Defence counsel for Kelly said the 28-year-old was involved in street dealing in small amounts and using
social media platforms such as ‘Poundland’ using his own log in details.. “He was obviously involved in criminal activities but he had no trappings of wealth,” said defence counsel, “He was a puppet following directions but a vital cog in the operation.” “He had a difficult childhood and fell into crime at a young age,” defence counsel said, adding that it is significant that this is the first time since his teens that he is
drug free.. Judge Dara Hayes remarked: “It’s clearly serious offending,” and deferred finalising the sentencing until June 16.. Both were remanded in custody where they have been since January 2025.. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.