Wicklow man caught dealing heroin is jailed for four years
The Wicklow PeopleA man from Wicklow has been sentenced to four years in prison, with the final year suspended, following a prolonged Garda drug operation that targeted heroin dealing on Bray Main Street. The investigation, which took place between May and November 2021, involved undercover surveillance and the arrest of multiple purchasers
David Teelan (46), of Hazelwood, Bray, Co. Wicklow, appeared before the Wicklow Criminal Circuit Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of heroin for the purpose of sale or supply.
A garda from Bray Garda Station testified that between May and November 2021, gardaí observed Mr Teelan dealing heroin on four separate occasions on Bray Main Street. Gardaí did not arrest Teelan at the time but instead arrested the purchasers in order to build their case. On each of the four occasions, the street deals were valued at approximately €20.
James Kelly SC, counsel for the prosecution, asked the garda about the total weight of the drugs involved. The garda explained that one gram of heroin “is the size of a pea”.
The court heard that Mr Teelan’s girlfriend acted as the “money person”, collecting the cash from the sales. She previously received a nine-month suspended sentence from Bray District Court.
The garda noted that Teelan is well known to gardaí and to people involved in the drug trade for selling drugs outside McDonald’s on Bray Main Street.
The court was informed that Mr Teelan has 18 previous convictions, with his most recent conviction occurring in April 2025, when he was fined for obstructing gardaí who attempted to search his mouth for drugs.
Eoghan Gallagher BL, instructed by Joe Maguire of Maguire McNiece Solicitors, told the court that his client had lived in the UK for several years. There was a gap in his record between 2001 and 2013, during which he did not come to the attention of gardaí, as he was clean and not using drugs.
A letter from a support worker and a urine analysis report, dating back to his release from prison in November 2024, were handed into court.
When questioned by Mr Gallagher, the garda confirmed that Mr Teelan has been closely monitored since his arrest and has not come to the attention of gardaí.
Mr Gallagher told the court that his client worked in construction while he was in the UK.
“He had matchstick teeth but has recently had them fixed,” counsel said, adding that Mr Teelan “has also had his liver treated after many years of neglect”.
Mr Gallagher argued that his client’s sentence should reflect the “light” sentence his partner and co-defendant received.
He also said that “a custodial sentence would undo the progress Mr Teelan has made”.
A positive probation report was submitted to the court, though it noted that Mr Teelan remains at a high risk of re-offending.
When sentencing, Judge Patrick Quinn said: “I can’t think of greater offending than dealing heroin.”
He sentenced Mr Teelan to four years in prison, with the final year suspended for one year.