Cork man who has used numerous types of drugs for 35 years jailed for drug-dealing

Dean Coughlan, who has been a polydrug user from the age of 15, was caught with €10k worth of heroin in his underpants

The sentence comprised a total term of three years with the last 15 months suspended. File picture: Dan Linehan

A polydrug user from the age of 15, and now aged 50, has been jailed for his latest drug-dealing offence where he was caught with €10,000 worth of heroin in his underpants.

Dean Coughlan of Springvale Estate, Old Youghal Road, Cork, was sentenced to a total of 21 months in jail by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The sentence comprised a total term of three years with the last 15 months suspended.

Dean Coughlan’s previous convictions included one from over 20 years ago where he was caught with €500,000 worth of drugs for sale or supply.

Detective Garda Dermot Broughton testified that this latest offence involved €10,000 worth of Diamorphine (heroin) seized on May 24 this year at Ashford Heights in Mayfield.

Detective Garda Broughton said a vehicle was stopped and that Dean Coughlan was a front-seat passenger in the car. He took responsibility for all the drugs found. They consisted of the heroin concealed in his underpants.

Commenting on the damage done by heroin, Judge Boyle said to Mr Coughlan: “It destroys families and communities and children. You were addicted to it yourself.

There is a probation report where you are described as a polydrug user since 15. 

Defence barrister, Neal Horgan, said the defendant only began smoking heroin following the recent death of his son and that this led to him getting into more difficulties with drug-dealing.

Judge Boyle noted that there were family members in court to support the 50-year-old who is now on a methadone programme now.

“It is astonishing to me you told probation you don’t have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Unless you are ever going to engage with your problem you will be here again and again. You do have a drug problem. And you are at a high risk of re-offending,” Judge Boyle said.