Man caught dealing drugs in Cork city jailed

A 32-year-old man caught dealing drugs at or near to homeless facilities in Cork city was jailed for two years.

Kelvin Higgins, formerly of Lus Na Meala, Banduff, Cork, was sentenced by Judge Helen Boyle to a total of two years and eight months with the last eight months suspended to encourage his further rehabilitation.

Detective Garda Robert Kennedy said suspected drug transactions were witnessed by gardaí at one Cork Simon Community facility across the road from Cork’s main garda station.

An apartment at this facility in the Joachim & Anne’s building on Anglesea Street was subsequently searched and €2,300 worth of Diamorphine (heroin) was found.

Kelvin Higgins pleaded guilty to charges that included having heroin for his own use and possession of the drug for sale or supply on May 17 2023 at this apartment at Joachim & Anne’s.

He also admitted that on the same occasion that he obstructed a search by Garda Conor Smiddy in order to conceal suspected drugs.

Det Garda Kennedy testified in respect of an earlier incident on April 25 2023, he was seen by a member of staff outside the Simon facility on Anderson’s Quay hiding a suspected stash of drugs in the area.

Garda Keith Nolan recovered the hidden package which was found to contain cocaine, again with a street value of €2,300.

Mr Higgins admitted having cocaine and having it for sale or supply at Anderson’s Quay, Cork, and obstructing a search by hiding from gardaí after placing a concealed package of cocaine on the wheel arch of a car and running ran away from gardaí.

At Cork Circuit Criminal Court, defence barrister, Peter O’Flynn said the accused man had not applied for bail back in June last year and has been in custody on the charges since then.

“He felt he was in a better place now to deal with his addictions. He is drug-free now and is an enhanced prisoner,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Judge Helen Boyle took all of these matters into consideration and backdated the two years to June 2023.

The judge said aggravating factors included a previous drug-dealing conviction and numerous counts of having drugs for his own use.

In mitigation he signed pleas of guilty to all charge and had a relatively positive probation report.

“Your mother remains supportive while not condoning your behaviour. You have had a longstanding issues with drug misuse and you are doing well in prison,” the judge said.