Gardaí found cocaine valued at almost €4k in Mayo apartment

A Westport man, who is already serving a prison sentence, has been handed further concurrent terms after pleading guilty to drug and theft charges.

Gerard O’Sullivan, of Brewery Place, Westport, appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was charged with having drugs for sale or supply and with theft.

Garda Michael Joyce told the court that officers from the Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit searched an apartment at Bridge Street, Westport, on December 3, 2022. Four men were present during the operation and Gardaí recovered cocaine, deal bags and weighing scales. After being cautioned, O’Sullivan admitted the cocaine was his. He was arrested, conveyed to Castlebar Garda Station and made full admissions.

Garda Joyce said the cocaine seized amounted to 55.7 grams with an estimated street value of €3,899. 

In relation to the theft offence, the court heard that O'Sullivan entered Rings and Things, Bridge Street, Castlebar, on May 16, 2023, and distracted the owner before stealing two Claddagh Rings. The incident was captured on CCTV. 

O’Sullivan has 38 previous convictions, including six for theft and one for the sale and supply of drugs in Co Clare. He is currently serving a prison sentence imposed by Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court and is due for release on August 7th, 2027.

Barrister Kathleen Henry said her client co-operated fully during the investigation and Garda Joyce confirmed he had been “pleasant throughout”. 

Ms Henry said O’Sullivan endured a difficult childhood, losing his mother at a young age before being raised by siblings and extended family after his father was removed from the home. His sister, who played a significant role in his upbringing, had also passed away, which had contributed to his relapse into offending.

She said her client worked as a plasterer when not in trouble and had the capacity to rebuild his life. He was currently sober in custody and hopes to pursue treatment and eventually live with a sister in Manchester.

In relation to the theft incident, Ms Henry said her client had only been charged that morning and had no means of compensation. O’Sullivan could not recall the incident but wished to apologise. She said he wanted all matters dealt with so he could continue focusing on rehabilitation.

Judge Sandra Murphy described the cocaine offence as “very significant,” noting the high-value drugs, the paraphernalia seized and the wider impact of cocaine availability in Mayo. While acknowledging O’Sullivan’s early admissions and detailed psychological report outlining trauma and addiction, the judge said the matter merited a custodial sentence. She imposed a seven-month concurrent jail term.

On the theft matter, the judge noted the lack of recovered property, the impact on a small business, O’Sullivan’s previous theft convictions and the element of pre-meditation involved by distracting the owner. She imposed a five-month concurrent jail sentence, meaning O'Sullivan's release date will remain at August 7th, 2027.

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.