Mum of seven caught with €50k worth of drugs told gardaí ‘I’m selling it’

Antoinette Geoghegan (37) of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a controlled drug for sale and supply on February 15, 2022.

She also pleaded guilty to possession of €2,180 as the proceeds of crime on the same date.

The court heard that gardaí searched this property on the day in question and found a schoolbag near the front door.

The bag was seized and contained 11 large bags of diamorphine and a further 24 smaller packets of the substance. In total, 341 grammes of diamorphine were found with a value of €47,782.

Gardaí also recovered 41g of crack cocaine, valued at €2,887, along with a €2,180 in cash, weighing scales and two mobile phones.

Geoghegan was present during the search and when shown the bag, told gardaí: “That stuff, I'm selling it.” She said she was holding the heroin and signed the garda's notebook.

She was arrested and during interview took responsibility for the drugs, which she said she intended to sell.

She has two previous convictions including one for assault causing harm dating back to 2005.

The investigating garda agreed with Seamus Clarke SC, defending, that his client entered an early guilty plea and has not come to recent garda attention.

It was further accepted that the bag was found close to the front door. The garda also agreed that Geoghegan declined to have a solicitor present during an interview in which she admitted selling the crack cocaine, but said she was holding the heroin for others.

It was accepted that Geoghegan has issues with addiction, but is taking steps to deal with this. Mr Clarke put to the garda that a psychiatric report states his client had a drugs debt and was under pressure to hold the drugs to repay this, which was also accepted.

The garda told the court that Geoghegan was at the “lower end” of the ladder and “someone who got into difficulty” with debt and was made to work it off.

Mr Clarke told the court that Geoghegan is a mother of seven and had previously sought treatment for addiction issues.

He noted that she was not only holding drugs for others, but selling crack cocaine to “feed her habit”. He asked the court to accept that she was selling crack cocaine and holding the heroin.

A number of documents including a psychiatric report were handed to the court. Counsel asked the court to consider ordering a probation report.

The court heard Geoghegan is working part-time and is aware of the seriousness of the situation.

Judge Elma Sheahan agreed to order a probation report to prepare her sentence. She adjourned the case to March 22, 2024 for finalisation.