Long-term drug user who had €10kof heroin in his underpants is jailed

A 50-year-old man who has been polydrug user since the age of 15 has been jailed for his latest drug-dealing offence. He was caught with €10,000 worth of heroin in his underpants.

Dean Coughlan, of Springvale Estate, Old Youghal Rd, Cork, was sentenced to 21 months in jail by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The sentence was a term of three years, with the last 15 months suspended.

Coughlan’s previous convictions included being caught with €500,000 worth of drugs for sale or supply 20 years ago.

Detective Garda Dermot Broughton testified that this latest offence involved €10,000 of diamorphine (heroin) seized on May 24 this year at Ashford Heights in Mayfield.

Detective Garda Broughton said a vehicle was stopped and that Coughlan was a front-seat passenger.

Coughlan took responsibility for all the drugs found. They consisted of the heroin concealed in his underpants.

Commenting on the damage done by heroin, Judge Boyle said to Coughlan: “It destroys families and communities and children. You were addicted to it yourself."

There is a probation report where you are described as a polydrug user since 15.”

Defence barrister Neal Horgan said that the defendant only began smoking heroin following the recent death of his son and that this led to him getting into more difficulties with drug dealing.

Judge Boyle noted that there were family members in court to support the 50-year-old, who is now on a methadone programme.

Judge Boyle said: “It is astonishing to me you told probation you don’t have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Unless you are ever going to engage with your problem, you will be here again and again. You do have a drug problem. And you are at a high risk of reoffending.”