Corkman's mother 'has had her heart broken' with his heroin addiction, court told

Accused was caught getting off train in Cork with stash of heroin worth €840

Accused pleaded guilty to charges of possession of alprazolam tablets, and also having diamorphine (heroin) and being in possession of that drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others.

A “nice person to talk to” was caught getting off the train from Dublin to Cork with a stash of heroin on his person.

Robert Murphy pleaded guilty to charges of possession of alprazolam tablets, and also having diamorphine (heroin) and being in possession of that drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others.

Pat Horan, solicitor, stressed the supply element of the offence consisted of sharing the drug with friends.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the suspect was arrested on January 6, 2022, at Kent Station. Robert Murphy had just gotten off the Dublin train.

He was given an initial search and nothing was found. The defendant was then arrested and taken to Mayfield Garda Station for a follow-up search.

Some €840 worth of heroin was found on him as well as the alprazolam tablets.

“He made certain admissions to supply by sharing with friends,” the sergeant said.

The accused had 11 convictions for having drugs for his own use and six counts for possession for supply.

Mr Horan, solicitor, said: “It is an extensive record. He has had a lot of issues in the past with drugs. He came down from Dublin with some drugs.

“He was easily detected. He would have been in the throes of heroin addiction. His mother said she has had her heart broken with Robert over the years. 

He took it on himself to get in contact with St Francis Farm [rehabilitation centre in Carlow]. He finally got a place in June — a residential place. It was something he pushed for himself and he needed it.

“He is quite an accomplished musician. Notwithstanding his bad record, he is quite a nice person to talk to.” 

Judge Joanne Carroll said: “I am going to ask for a probation report. His record is terrible but there is a very positive report from St Francis Farm. I want a probation report to see he really has changed direction.

“There is a very serious sale or supply situation — albeit sharing. His future is in his own hands. But if there is any issue with the guards in the meantime the court’s hands will be tied.” 

The case against 31-year-old Robert Murphy of 5 Quarry Vale, Youghal, Co Cork, was adjourned until January 15 at Cork District Court.