No bail for Cork man addicted to crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis allegedly caught drug dealing

Garda search of defendant's home uncovered suspected drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and diamorphine and paraphernalia used to package drugs, court told

Defendant's drug addiction believed to cost several hundred euros a day, court told

Gardaí believe a man who was allegedly caught drug dealing would deal more drugs if released on bail as his addiction to crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis had spiralled out of control and was costing him several hundred per day.

26-year-old Aaron O’Driscoll, of Desmond Square, Greenmount, Cork, was refused bail and remanded in custody until April 15.

Garda James Byrd objected to bail and testified at Cork District Court that on the night of the March 29, gardaí attached to Cork City District Drugs Unit executed a warrant on the home of Aaron O'Driscoll at 24 Desmond Square, Greenmount, Cork City, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“Aaron O'Driscoll and other males were present in the property at the time of entry. A large amount of suspected drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and diamorphine were located in the kitchen and a bedroom in the property. Cash totalling €1,675 was located in the property, and this was broken down into predominantly small denomination notes.

“Amongst the suspected controlled drugs located on the kitchen table were two digital scales, plastic wrapping and other paraphernalia used to package drugs.

“Caught red-handed, Aaron O'Driscoll cooperated with gardaí during the course of the search regarding ownership of the suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash.

“It is my belief that Aaron O'Driscoll will commit further offences if granted bail.

“Aaron O'Driscoll is currently unemployed and by his own admission suffers from a heavy addiction to crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis. This addiction is believed to be costing several hundred per day.

“With no other means to support his habit, gardai believe Aaron O'Driscoll will continue to sell controlled drugs in Cork City. It is the contention of gardaí that Aaron O'Driscoll's drug use has spiralled out of all control,” Det Garda Byrd said at Cork District Court. 

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the accused has resolved to address his concerns, which he had not done up to now. 

Det Garda Byrd replied, in relation to this: “Gardaí have serious concerns about his drug addiction difficulties.” 

Mr Buttimer called the accused to give evidence in his application for bail and said: “Because you have addiction to drugs, gardaí have serious concern you will commit further serious offences.” 

Aaron O’Driscoll replied: “I won’t do anything if I get bail. I will get into treatment straight away. I just want to get my life sorted out with treatment.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “Garda Byrd is very fair in every way to Aaron O’Driscoll. He did not gild the lily in any way.” 

The judge refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until April 15 for directions from the DPP.