Cork court gives woman three months in prison for dealing drugs

Dealing alprazolam tablets has resulted in a young woman having three months added to an 18-month sentence she was already serving for another drug-dealing offence.

Kelly O’Brien, formerly of Glencree Crescent, Mayfield, Cork, was given the consecutive three-month sentence by Judge Catherine Ryan at Cork District Court.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe and garda colleagues executed a warrant at the Glencree Crescent address on June 12 2024. “Located during the search were approximately 930 alprazolam tablets valued at €1,860, along with a small quantity of diamorphine consistent with personal use.

“When Kelly O’Brien was interviewed during her detention, she took responsibility for ownership of the alprazolam and stated she had them for the purpose of sale or supply. She outlined that she had the diamorphine for her own personal use.”

The sergeant added that as well as the drug-dealing conviction, O’Brien had five convictions for having drugs for her own use.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “She fully cooperated with the investigation. She is pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity. She has engaged well with rehabilitation services in prison. She has gone on methadone [for heroin addiction]... She hopes to be recovered by the time she comes back into the community.”

Judge Ryan said it was a very serious matter and there had to be a consecutive sentence.