A man convicted in connection with the biggest drugs haul in the history of the State has appealed his 30 year sentence.

Englishman Perry Wharrie was arrested in 2007, after a botched attempt to bring 1,500 kilos of cocaine into Ireland.

Mr Perry Wharrie (56) was convicted for his part in the record €440 million cocaine smuggling operation off the West Cork coast nine years ago.

The plan went awry when one of the boats used by the smugglers cut out after being filled with diesel instead of petrol.

Crew and cargo were thrown into the water. They were later picked up by authorities.

The court heard that other people sentenced in relation to similar sized drugs busts received as little as eight or ten years in prison, and that Mr Wharrie’s 30-year sentence should be reduced.

Senior Counsel Michael O’Higgins also said there is no evidence that Mr Wharrie was going to benefit financially from the smuggling of the drugs.

He appealed for the judges to consider the human aspect of this case and offer Mr Wharrie some hope of a life outside prison at the end of his sentence.

The three-judge Court of Criminal Appeal will deliver their decision on February 15th.