24-04-2025
Woman admits trying to smuggle drugs into Cork Prison
The smuggling of drugs to prisoners makes the running of the facilities difficult for prison officers, a district court judge said as a young woman pleaded guilty to bringing cannabis and anti-psychotic tablets into Cork Prison.
25-year-old Abigail Jones of Pembroke Street, Tralee, County Kerry, appeared at Cork District Court where she pleaded guilty to having cannabis for supply at Cork Prison on May 25, 2024, and a similar charge in respect of Seroquel tablets.
Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the young woman, who had no previous convictions, was concerned about a particular prisoner who was depressed and finding it difficult in custody.
Misguidedly, she decided to bring the cannabis and tablets to this prisoner in the hope that it would relieve his suffering, the solicitor said.
Judge Treasa Kelly said: 'Prisons are inundated. It is very hard for prison officers to maintain standards (because of drugs being brought into prison).'
Noting the plea of guilty and the absence of previous convictions, the judge said that she would limit the penalty to a €200 fine on the cannabis charge and take the count relating to Seroquel into consideration.
Sergeant John Kelleher said that on the date in question Garda Elaine Gallery attended the prison following a report of a drug seizure during a visit to the prison. Abigail Jones was charged with the two counts of having drugs for supply at Cork Prison.
