Judge urges housing agency not to take home from woman
Judge Eoin Garavan made his comments at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A drug addict was "used as a pawn" when she took responsibility for a €60,000 cannabis seizure, a court has heard.
Bernadette Muldoon, aged 41, of St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina, previously pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply.
On June 7th, 2024, Gardaí investigating another individual searched a house in St Patrick’s Estate, which was not Muldoon’s home. A male suspect fled the house when Gardaí arrived but was later arrested. A female (not Muldoon) was present when officers discovered €62,000 worth of cannabis in a utility room press. This woman was also arrested.
However, later that day, Muldoon presented herself at Ballina Garda Station and stated the drugs were hers. She told officers she was using cocaine at the time and was paranoid about the Gardaí finding the drugs. She claimed she entered the other property through the back door and concealed the cannabis. She also told Gardaí she had a €3,000 drug debt and agreed to hold the drugs for someone else.
Muldoon had the windows of her home broken in days before her court appearance.
Barrister Dr Laura Byrne said her client is addicted to crack cocaine and previously had a heroin problem. The barrister said she believes Muldoon was “under a certain amount of duress” because of her addiction.
Muldoon has 10 previous convictions and has been in custody since January on this matter.
Her case came before the court last week for finalisation.
Dr Byrne said her client has had addiction issues since the age of 14 and has “had a very difficult life”. She said Muldoon has been a model prisoner during her time in custody and remains drug free.
The barrister said that while her client continues to pay rent she fears she will lose her home while in custody.
Judge Eoin Garavan said there was “something slightly odd about this case".
“There were other people involved in it, people who scarpered quite quickly,” he commented.
The judge said Muldoon’s role appeared to that of a “holder of materials”. He said that because of her addiction it is possible that the woman has “been used by other people".
The judge said Muldoon had a “very tough upbringing” and has “been used by a lot of toxic people during her life".
Judge Garavan said that unfortunately the seriousness of the crime means Muldoon must spend some time in prison. He said a message needs to go out to others who find themselves caught up in the drugs trade.
Judge Garavan imposed a three-year prison sentence, suspending the final year of the term.
The judge urged the housing agency responsible for Muldoon’s home not to take the property away from her.
“She is paying rent, she should be allowed to keep it,” he commented.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
