‘Serious’ heroin dealer jailed for six years

A mother of four who was caught twice dealing heroin in Cork City was described yesterday as a serious drug dealer.

Judge Patrick J Moran imposed an eight-year sentence, with the last two years suspended, on Jenna Heaphy, aged 27, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Det Sgt Jason Lynch told the court: “Members of the drug squad stopped her at South Link Rd on May 23, 2010. Gardaí were aware that Ms Heaphy had a substantial quantity of heroin on her person.”

The street value of the drugs exceeded €11,000. Heaphy admitted having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply.

Det Sgt Lynch said Heaphy was caught again at 12am on Sept 1, 2010. On that occasion, she was driving down Grand Parade, Cork, with €16,000 worth of heroin in the car.

Det Sgt Lynch said Heaphy had travelled to Dublin, organised the purchase of the heroin, brought it to Cork, and planned to distribute it in the city. Det Sgt Lynch said he did not accept Heaphy’s version of events, which effectively understated her role in the crime.

Heaphy said yesterday she was in the grip of a deep drug addiction and was not thinking straight when she committed the offences.

Defence barrister Elizabeth O’Connell said Heaphy had been doing well since she first appeared in court in Feb 2011.

“She became drug-free,” said Ms O’Connell. “I think the court was right to give her a chance. Probation report said she was trying hard to put herself on the straight and narrow.”

Judge Patrick J Moran told Heaphy: “We have all seen the effects of drug dealing in this city, and your involvement was considerable.

“Most people would wake up after the first time they were caught but you persisted. You were a serious drug dealer.”

A total sentence of eight years was imposed, with the last two suspended on condition that Heaphy attends Coolmine addiction therapy centre on her release.