Man who told gardaí heroin was gravy pleads guilty

A man caught with heroin for sale or supply outside a supermarket told gardaí the brown substance in question was gravy powder.

That was what James Leonard, aged 28, of Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, and also of Cork Simon community, had initially told investigators initially before he pleaded guilty yesterday to having diamorphine, better known as heroin.

Inspector Bill Duane said at Cork District Court that Leonard and another man came to the attention of gardaí outside the Tesco Express store at Dennehy’s Cross.

They stopped and searched them and found that Leonard was carrying cannabis for his own use but, more significantly, had heroin for sale or supply.

When questioned about the drugs, Leonard claimed to have spent €200 on the brown powder in the belief it was heroin but had turned out to be gravy powder. Insp Duane said yesterday the drug in question was heroin.

Joseph Cuddigan, defending, told the court how Leonard had made efforts to turn his life around and had helped others in a similar situation.

Mr Cuddigan said it was unusual for staff of the Simon community to give character evidence on behalf of people but that two officers had done so in the present case.

Judge Leo Malone heard that Leonard had attended to his addiction difficulties and had done everything required of him by those working with him.

Mr Cuddigan said Leonard’s efforts since the date of the offence on November 27, 2012, were clearly genuine. “If he was living a lie it would have become apparent by now. It is one of those cases where the leopard has changed his spots,” the solicitor said.

Judge Leo Malone said: “Heroin is one of the most pernicious substances and it has ruined many lives.

“However, I am impressed by the evidence of the two people from Simon.”

He said Leonard could do 180 hours of community service instead of spending five months in jail on the supply charge. Leonard was fined €150 for having cannabis for his own use.