A Baylough woman found in possession of €870 worth of heroin avoided jail and was fined just €300 when the judge fully accepted she was keeping it to protect her elderly parents from her addicted brother.
Garda Aidan Lyons told the court how he called to a given address on February 10, 2010 where he found “21 street deals” in a bedroom wardrobe.
“She said she was holding it for her brother to regulate his use,” said Garda Lyons, who agreed with her solicitor, Mark Cooney, that the woman had no previous convictions.
“When you called to the house she brought you straight to the drugs’ location?” Mr Cooney asked.
“Yes,” said Garda Lyons.
“And her brother would be known to you?”
“Her brother would be a card-carrying addict,” confirmed Garda Lyons.
Mr Cooney pointed out how his client had not come to any Garda attention since, and shared her home with a child.
“She foolishly thought she could sort out her brother and keep his supply away from her parents’ house, both of whom are fairly elderly. She’s never been before court before and is absolutely petrified,” said Mr Cooney.
“I have to convict, but I will reflect her motives,” said Judge Seamus Hughes, before fining the woman €300, and giving her three months to pay.
