Corkman gets 5 years over heroin possession

A CORKMAN whose father killed his mother many years ago was jailed for five years yesterday for dealing heroin and cannabis from his home.

Judge Con Murphy imposed a 10-year jail sentence on Con Healy, 46, of 210 Rathpeacon Road, Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court but suspended the last five years of the sentence.

Detective Sergeant Jason Lynch testified that when members of the Garda divisional drugs unit arrived at 210 Rathpeacon Road to conduct a search on October 30, 2007, Healy drew a knife.

“Mr Healy was brandishing a kitchen knife. He had to be restrained before a search could be carried out,” Det Sgt Lynch said.

Quantities of drugs and money were found at the property.

The main stash of heroin and cannabis was found in waterproof leggings in a downstairs bathroom. The total street value was €19,350.

“He claimed that he had been given the drugs to mind and that he was being given heroin for himself for payment for holding the drugs,” Det Sgt Lynch said.

He said the gardaí did not believe that Healy’s involvement was that limited and it was their view, based on the evidence in the case, that Healy was actively selling drugs.

Healy pleaded guilty to having diamorphine, better known as heroin, and cannabis for sale or supply at his home on October 30, 2007, at a time when their combined street value exceeded €13,000.

Elizabeth O’Connell, defence barrister, said: “Mr Healy’s background was extremely difficult. His father killed his mother. His father served time in jail for that. So he (Con Healy) was raised by other members of the family.”

Judge Murphy noted that there was legal provision for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. But he said that half of the sentence should be suspended.

The judge referred to Healy’s difficult background when he imposed the sentence.