This article is from page 23 of the 2013-06-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A MOTHER of two passed heroin to her partner in Killaloe Courthouse in an “act of desperation”, a court has heard.
Eileen Fitzgerald (29) was observed passing a gramme of heroin and cannabis valued at € 167 to her partner who was in custody at Killaloe District Court on May 1 (2012).
Details of the offence were heard at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Ms Fitzgerald, with an address at Williamstown Lodge, Fedamore, Limerick, pleaded to guilty to drug possession.
Garda John Jenks of Killaloe Garda Station told the court that Ms Fitzgerald said she had been “under pressure” to pass the drugs.
He said Ms Fitzgerald’s partner told gadaí that he asked her to bring the drugs to court.
Ms Fitzgerald also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of heroin at Cnoc Cluain, Ballina on June 23 (2012).
The court heard that gardaí found four wraps of heroin valued at € 220 in the house.
Garda Jenks told the court that Ms Fitzgerald would give the drugs to people who called to the house. She has 17 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Jenny Fitzgibbon told the court that her client’s heroin addiction increased after her partner went into custody last year. She said Ms Fitzgerald is taking methadone and is on a waiting list for a detox programme.
Ms Fitzgibbon said passing the drugs was an “act of desperation” on her client’s behalf.
She said Ms Fitzgerald was “foolish and disrespectful” to commit such an offence in court.
Inspector Tom Kennedy said it was “debatable” whether or not prison would be the best environment for the accused.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he must balance between helping people and ensuring the system of law and order is maintained and protected. He adjourned sentencing for a brief period.
When the case resumed, Judge Durcan said he had considered imposing a lengthy sentence. He said he was concerned that Ms Fitzgerald is a young mother who had a serious drug addiction. He adjourned the case to September 4 for a pre-sentence report from the probation services. Judge Durcan granted liberty to the State to re-enter the case.