Gambling addiction drove Kerry woman to drug dealing, court hears
The KerrymanA North Kerry woman in her fifties began dealing cocaine to meet her gambling addiction, Listowel District Court heard on Thursday.
Jane Gleeson (50) of Cuainin, East End, Ballybunion was charged with possession for sale and supply, as well as possession, on September 21, 2024 at Gortnaskeha, Ballybunion.
After finding €780 worth of cocaine in her vehicle, gardaí searched her home and found an additional €700 worth of cocaine, the court heard. Gardaí allegedly found three bags in the car and nine at her house, as well as weighing scales.
“In both cases, she made admissions for sale and supply,” said Sergeant Stephen O’Brien.
She had a previous conviction for theft.
Solicitor Pat Mann said his client had faced a gambling addiction and experienced “a very hard patch at the time”.
He suggested the arrest brought “an element of relief” to his client, noting she had no previous convictions for such activity and had suffered health problems, including hypertension and a stroke last year.
At her age, “she’s not going to be included in anything like this going forward,” concluded the solicitor.
“We were told this with the thefts,” said Judge David Waters.
He gave Ms Gleeson a five-month sentence, suspended for one year and warned if convicted for sale and supply again, she would face jail.
“Third strike, she’s out,” said the judge.