Jail for dealer caught with drugs and phone in sock

A street heroin dealer was caught with more than €500 worth of the drug, over €500 in cash, a list of customers, and three mobile phones — one placed down his sock.

That was on October 11 2015. Yesterday, at Cork District Court , Cian Walsh of 17 Mercier Park, Turner’s Cross, Cork, was jailed for nine months.

Judge Marie Keane imposed a six-month prison sentence on him for having the Diamorphine (heroin) for sale or supply and a three-month consecutive sentence for carrying a knife.

Insp Vincent O’Sullivan said in court yesterday that Det Garda Maurice O’Connor encountered Walsh at Millerd St, Cork, on the date in October last year.

The defendant appeared to be nervous and trying to conceal something, so Det Garda O’Connor decided to carry out a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. When searched, the tick-list, three phones, drugs, and money were found.

Walsh pleaded guilty to having the knife and drugs and admitted dealing the heroin.

He had 165 previous convictions including seven for possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said the defendant was known to have a serious addiction problem. He said the defendant went into custody three months ago at a time when his addiction was chronic. He said that in the intervening period the accused had been using his time in jail to good effect by attending counselling and rehabilitation and also using the educational opportunities available to him.

Judge Keane said, “This man has an appalling record with a significant number for the sale or supply of drugs.” He said a prison sentence had to be imposed.