Corkman, 50, admits to dealing cocaine after search at house at The Lough

COCAINE with a street value of €5,500 was seized during the search of a house at The Lough and now a 50-year-old man has admitted he was dealing the drug.

The case dates back almost three years to February 22, 2021.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said gardaí obtained a warrant to search 18 Lough View, The Lough, Cork – the home of Stephen Walsh – with a search warrant.

There was a quantity of cocaine in his bedroom. 

The value of the cocaine was €5,500.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case could be dealt with at Cork District Court on a plea of guilty only.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned sentencing until April 29 for a probation report. He must give three supervised urine samples and attend with the probation service, Judge Dorgan said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions decided that the case could be dealt with at district court level on a plea of guilty only.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the accused had no criminal record but that five or six years he began to experience mental health difficulties.

“He started to use cocaine and developed something of a habit. The supply element resulted from drug dependency going back to 2021.

“He is happy he was apprehended and is clear of drugs for in excess of two years,” Mr Buttimer said.