Bingo hall cocaine case progresses

A woman who was arrested allegedly with cocaine while entering a bingo hall in Cork City is to have a copy of the prosecution evidence sent to her solicitor.

Inspector Michael McGuire said yesterday at Cork District Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case could be dealt with at district court level.

Judge Leo Malone said he required to hear a summary of the alleged facts to see if he would accept jurisdiction.

Insp McGuire said: “It is alleged that while entering Rock Bingo at Deanrock Business Park, she was found in possession of cocaine valued at €350.”

Judge Malone accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the case until October 1 to allow the prosecution time to send a copy of statements to the defence solicitor, Emmet Boyle.

Helen Heaphy, aged 50, from 59 Kerryhall Road, Fairhill, Cork, was arrested by Garda Danielle Hegarty on July 9, and charged with two counts arising out of the alleged offence.

Ms Heaphy was charged with possession of cocaine and having the illegal drug for sale or supply at Deanrock Business and Technology Park in Togher in Cork on July 9, 2014.

Garda Danielle Hegarty testified previously that she arrested, charged and cautioned Ms Heaphy and that she made no reply to either charge.

Ms Heaphy was remanded on continuing bail yesterday on certain conditions namely that she reside at her home at Kerryhall Road in Fairhill and signs on at Gurranabraher garda station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The third bail condition required by gardaí was that she would not attend Rock Bingo events at the Deanrock Business and Technology Park in Togher between now and the date of the adjournment.