Judge sentences 27 year-old woman who claimed she only sold drugs to friends

A GARDA found over €1,100 worth of one drug along with a quantity of a second drug after a search when he randomly stopped a car at Oldcastle. The Garda also seized €780 in cash and other items including a grinder, deal bags and a phone, providing indications of drug dealing, Trim District Court heard.

Aoife Fitzsimons of Ballinvalley, Oldcastle appeared before the court on Tuesday on four charges concerning the possession of cannabis and cocaine and having them for sale or supply. She was sentenced to two months imprisonment.

The charges resulted after Garda Egan stopped a vehicle driven by Ms Fitzsimons on 15th November 2024 at Preston Cross, Oldcastle.

The defendant’s solicitor Miriam Regan said the Garda’s attention was drawn to the vehicle by her partner throwing a cigarette out the window.

Court Presenter Sergeant Alan Ratcliffe outlined that the Garda detected a smell of cannabis and carried out a search of the vehicle. The Garda discovered quantities of cannabis and cocaine alongside €780 in cash and other items including a grinder, deal bags and a phone.

Ms Fitzsimons had 13 previous convictions in respect of road traffic offences.

Ms Regan told the court her client was involved in an accident and had to have surgery, the bill for which came to €1,000, which she could not pay. The court heard she sold only to friends.

Judge McKiernan said the defendant clearly made a decision to engage in activity that would harm other vulnerable young people. The judge pointed out that the defendant was 27 and had to know it was wrong.

Miss Regan told the court the accused accepted what she did was wrong and was foolish. She said that the defendant was getting back on track and is engaged in the workforce.

Judge McKiernan said the only thing going for the defendant was that she pleaded guilty and there was no excuse for selling drugs to get money. The judge said families were being destroyed every day because of drugs and the only appropriate sentence was imprisonment.

She fixed bail of €300 and independent surety of €1,000 cash to be lodged for the defendant to appeal.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme