Cork woman who dealt crack cocaine out of window was 'under pressure' to do so

A 51-year-old woman caught dealing crack cocaine – handing the drug out through a window at her home – pleaded to the crime, but she said she was under pressure from an unnamed person to do so.

Inspector James O’Donovan said Garda Eoin Harrington obtained a warrant to search the home of Geraldine Hogan at 58A Evergreen Street, Cork, and he went there at lunchtime on April 15 2024 with the assistance of armed support unit members.

“€1,120 in cash was recovered in the house along with a small amount of cocaine. A key was also found for a car parked outside. In that car €950 worth of crack cocaine was recovered.

“Geraldine Hogan made admissions that the cash was from the drugs which she admitted selling,” Insp. O’Donovan said.

The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and having the crack cocaine for sale or supply and she also admitted money-laundering in respect of the proceeds of the dealing.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said, “Geraldine Hogan says she has not been sleeping or eating since this occurred she is so worried and she knows how serious it is.

“She initially said no but she was put under pressure to give out drugs and take in money for it. She was frightened by this person. She felt she had to do it. People were calling to her house and she was handing out drugs through a window and taking a set amount of money for this person. She took full responsibility for it.

“She ends up here before the court. Her health has been breaking down for quite a while. She co-operated fully from day one and she was very frank at interview.” 

Judge Philip O’Leary said: “This is a very serious matter, selling crack cocaine. Clearly, this was going on for some time. She has a previous conviction for possession of cannabis.” 

In all the circumstances the judge said he would impose a six-month sentence, suspended on condition that she would commit no further offences for the next 12 months.

On the application of Inspector O’Donovan, the judge made an order for the destruction of the drugs and the forfeiture of the cash to the state.