Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman 'under control' of violent partner avoids jail for storing drugs
Summary
Clare O'Connor, 35, of Ashtown, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing drugs in her home, with a total street value of €47,407. She had previously been convicted of bringing drugs to her partner in Mountjoy prison. Garda Brian O'Toole and solicitor Anne Marie Lawlor argued that O'Connor was under the control of a violent partner who had been jailed for 11 years in 2018 for conspiracy to commit murder. O'Connor claimed she had no choice but to allow the drugs to be stored in her apartment, which she co‑operated with the Gardaí during a search that uncovered 300 g of heroin, tablets, cannabis, resin and MDMA. She also cared for a 10‑year‑old cousin with special needs. Judge Martin Nolan accepted her fear and cooperation, and suspended a four‑year prison term.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman 'under control' of violent partner avoids jail for storing drugs. Charges or matters: having various drugs at her home, with a total street value of €47,407, on November 17, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 17, 2019 Incident
- 2022-06-21 Publication
Why: Photo: Collins) A woman who agreed to allow drugs to be stored in her home because she was under the control of her violent partner has been given a four-year suspended sentence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: having various drugs at her home, with a total street value of €47,407, on November 17, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Garda Brian O'Toole agreed with Anne Marie Lawlor SC, defending, that at the time of her arrest O'Connor was in a relationship with a violent offender, who had been jailed for 11 years in 2018 for conspiracy to commit murder. He accepted evidence that she was "a very good carer to this child and the child depends on the affection and love of this defendant", before he suspended a four-year term of imprisonment.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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