Cork man caught with ecstasy tells gardaí drug-dealing was main source of income

During interview, the man made full admission to the sale or supply of the drugs.

A young man who was caught in Bishopstown with over €1,200 worth of ecstasy and more than €1,500 in cash admitted to gardaí that drug-dealing was his main source of income.

Seán Hussey of O’Rahilly Row, Fermoy, Co Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court where his solicitor Frank Buttimer said that the young man’s circumstances had changed dramatically for the better since the crime was detected.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said that on August 6, 2020, at Belfort, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, where Seán Hussey was living at the time, a warrant was executed by Garda Ken Lawton to carry out a search.

“During the course of the search, MDMA — better known as ecstasy — to the value of €1,230 was located in the bedroom of Seán Hussey, along with €1,545 in cash.

“Seán Hussey was subsequently arrested, detained, and interviewed and he made full admission to the sale or supply of the drugs.

“Mr Hussey further admitted that his main source of income was drug-dealing. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary prosecution.”

The inspector made an order to have the seized cash forfeited to the State. Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said there was no objection to that application. Sgt Lyons said the accused was convicted seven times previously for having drugs for his own use and twice for drug dealing.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the offence before the court now dated back approximately three and a half years and may have been delayed for forensic analysis of the drugs or because of reasons to do with the pandemic.

Mr Buttimer said of the garda interview with the accused at the time that the drugs and cash were seized, “It was quite a candid, forthcoming interview. He was a heavy drug user himself at that time and the supply of drug was connected with his drug dependency.

“Matters have improved dramatically since. I believe the court would benefit from a probation report. It would enlighten (the court) and be of benefit to the accused.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan agreed to direct a probation report and put sentencing back until April 8.