Gregory joined anti-drug marches on Cronin’s home

WHEN Michael “Roly” Cronin was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 1998 for heroin dealing, gardaí and community activists celebrated.

None more so than independent deputy Tony Gregory, who joined community anti-drug marches on Cronin’s corporation flat in the north inner city in 1996.

Following his sentencing, Mr Gregory said: “He was one of the people who outraged local communities, because they knew he was heavily involved in heroin yet he appeared to be able to act at will.

“He was living in a corporation flat, yet he was buying houses in the locality with drug money and people couldn’t understand how is this guy getting away with it, but he’s got his comeuppance today.”

Cronin received a 13-year jail term at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after he pleaded guilty to possessing heroin worth up to £16,000 (€20,300) at his flat in Buckingham Street in the north inner city in 1996.

Cronin had been given a second chance by the court four months earlier when he received a three-year suspended sentence for possession of heroin.

Judge Cyril Kelly said at the time: “He has spurned that chance. In effect, he said: ‘No thank you very much’.”

Judge Kelly imposed 10 years on top of the three-year term.

Cronin had a house in Finglas at the time, which was said to be lavishly furnished and was estimated to be worth up to £100,000 (€127,000).

He also had an expensive lifestyle. He holidayed in Barbados and attended international matches.

Originally from Ballymun, north Dublin, Cronin moved into an apartment in neighbouring Finglas shortly after his release.

He again took up dealing and last June gardaí confiscated €20,000 in cash from him.