One-legged cocaine dealer from Clare ‘at huge risk’ of reoffending

A one-legged cancer surviving cocaine dealer is one of the bigger drug dealers in the south Clare area and is at “huge risk” of reoffending.

Det Sgt Kevin O’Hagan told a court yesterday he based his opinion of Diarmuid Devanney, 26, “on his cohorts, the way he conducts himself and his involvement in the drugs world”.

Involved in directing criminal investigations in the Shannon-Sixmilebrige and Newmarket areas of Clare for the past five years, the detective told Judge Gerald Keys: “I know Mr Devanny. I have been involved in numerous investigations where he has been involved and I think there is a huge risk in him re-offending.”

Devanney, of Cluain Droichid, Sixmilebridge, pleaded guilty in June to dealing cocaine and cannabis at the same address on November 12, 2013. The drugs had a combined worth of €15,125 with the cocaine making up €10,222 of the total

Devanney was remanded on bail to yesterday’s sitting of Ennis Circuit Court for sentence.

Stephen Coughlan, prosecuting, said Sgt O’Hagan was relying on garda intelligence when stating that Devanney is one of the main dealers in his area.

Pat Whyms, defending, said since the court hearing in June, Devanney has been tested on a monthly basis for drugs and all of the tests are clean.

In court yesterday, Judge Keys said that he was ready to pass sentence but on hearing Devanney is at huge risk of re-offending, he adjourned sentencing for six months and ordered that he undergo weekly drug tests to be furnished to the State.