Louth coalman had €322,000 cash hidden under false step in his house

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 54-year-old man who pleaded guilty to money laundering in respect of €322,055 cash hidden in his house has been remanded on continuing bail.

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.

Judge Dara Hayes acceded to a defence application to adjourn sentence because Mr Hodgins’ partner and mother of his seven-year-old son is undergoing residential drug treatment until August.

Evidence was 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.

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 also had two adult children.

The mother of his seven-year-old was in residential drug treatment scheduled to finish in August. The court was asked that a custodial sentence not happen immediately.

He had recently suffered a hand injury. He was a coalman and involved in the welfare of fishermen, counsel continued.

Judge Hayes remarked that it was a significant quantity of cash in unexplained circumstances.

He said that he would allow an adjournment for the defendant’s partner to complete treatment.

Mr Hodgins was remanded on the same bail terms to October 10.