‘Degree of mystery’ surrounds why Louth coalman had €322,000 concealed in false stair at his home

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 55-year-old man who pleaded guilty to money laundering in respect of €322,055 cash hidden in his house has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Michael Hodgins, Pearse Park, Drogheda, could not account for bundles of money underneath a false step in stairs at his home, Dundalk Circuit Court heard.

The defendant was previously convicted of the manslaughter of Slane Castle gamekeeper Timothy Kidman for which he received a 12-year sentence in 1990.

At an adjourned sentence hearing, Judge Dara Hayes said that wood in the false stair was held in place by magnets. It was “clearly designed for concealment”.

He continued that no explanation has been given for Mr Hodgins’ possession of this very large quantity of cash but there was a clear inference it was for the assistance of serious criminality.

Passing a three-and-a-half year sentence, Judge Hayes said, “There is no evidential basis for suspending part of the sentence. There remains some degree of mystery about the purpose of having this cash, what he was doing with it and where it came from.”

Evidence was previously given that nobody was present when Gardaí arrived to search the Pearse Park house at 9.10am on June 5, 2020. Members of the Armed Support Unit gained entry.

Officers found bundles of cash in two silver briefcases and a silver tin underneath a false step on stairs, as well as a mobile phone. The wooden step was held in place by magnets.

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Two days later Gardaí returned and arrested Mr Hodgins on suspicion of money laundering. He made no reply after caution.

He had to be handcuffed before being brought to Drogheda Garda Station.

Details were given of previous convictions, including for manslaughter and for the possession and possession for sale or supply of drugs. He got a nine-year sentence for the drugs charges.

Senior counsel Michael Hourigan, instructed by solicitor Michael Finucane, said the defendant had a seven-year-old child and two adult children.

He was a coalman and involved in the welfare of fishermen, counsel continued.

As Mr Hodgins had previously spent a week in custody on this matter, the sentence was backdated to October 3.

An order was made for the forfeiture of the cash.