Judge gives drug dealer last chance to go to rehab

“Did you think I was bluffing?” a district judge asked a drug dealer yesterday about a jail sentence.

Judge Olann Kelleher told the Dubliner the only reason sentencing had been adjourned was for the accused to attend drug rehabilitation and so far he has not.

Andrew Hurley, of 88 Clonmacnoise Road, Crumlin, Dublin, was caught dealing heroin on Grand Parade, Cork, on January 7, 2015.

Hurley was charged with having heroin and having it for sale or supply at Parnell Place, Cork, on January 7.

The detection was part of Operation Emerson. Under this, supply charges were brought against people who were caught in the act of selling a small quantity of heroin — even €50 worth or less — to an undercover officer.

Defence barrister, William Bulman, said there were a number of factors for why Hurley was not on a rehabilitation programme. Hurley said he was on a waiting list.

Judge Kelleher said yesterday: “I gave him a month to get his house in order. My note is quite clear. He was getting an opportunity to get treatment for his addiction. This is a crime against society, against the people of Cork. I will send you to jail. Did you think I was bluffing the last time? You stayed out of prison on the basis that you would do certain things and you didn’t do them.

“You were selling drugs in Cork. If you don’t want to do treatment I will deal with it.”

The judge put it back until Friday as a last chance for Hurley to get on to the drug treatment programme.