Judge adds three months onto sentence of Cork woman for dealing Alprazolam tablets

The prison terms was added to an 18-month sentence she was already serving for another drug-dealing offence. File photo

Dealing Alprazolam tablets has resulted in a young woman having three months added to an 18-month sentence she was already serving for another drug-dealing offence.

Kelly O'Brien, formerly of Glencree Crescent, Mayfield, Cork, was given the consecutive three-month sentence by Judge Catherine Ryan at Cork District Court.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Detective Garda Linda O'Keeffe and garda colleagues executed a warrant at the Glencree Crescent address on June 12, 2024.

“Located during the search were approximately 930 Alprazolam tablets valued at €1,860 along with a small quantity of diamorphine consistent with personal use.

“When Kelly O’Brien was interviewed during her detention she took responsibility for ownership of the Alprazolam and stated she had them for the purpose of sale or supply. She outlined that she had the diamorphine for her own personal use,” Sgt Kelleher said.

The sergeant added that as well as the drug-dealing conviction from Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Kelly O’Brien had five convictions for having drugs for her own use.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “She fully co-operated with the investigation. She is pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“She has engaged well with rehabilitation services in prison. She has gone on methadone (treatment for heroin addiction) in prison. She hopes to be recovered by the time she comes back into the community.” 

Judge Ryan said it was a very serious matter and there had to be a consecutive sentence. Alprazolam is a Benzodiazepine-type relaxant tablet.