By Irishexaminer.com,Liam Heylin

Copyright irishexaminer

He said: “€1,120 in cash was recovered in the house along with a small amount of cocaine. A key was also found for a car parked outside. In that car, €950 worth of crack cocaine was recovered.

“Geraldine Hogan made admissions that the cash was from the drugs which she admitted selling,” Insp O’Donovan said.

She pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and having the crack cocaine for sale or supply and she also admitted money-laundering in respect of the proceeds of the dealing.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said: “Geraldine Hogan says she has not been sleeping or eating since this occurred, she is so worried and she knows how serious it is.

“She initially said no but she was put under pressure to give out drugs and take in money for it. She was frightened by this person. She felt she had to do it. People were calling to her house and she was handing out drugs through a window and taking a set amount of money. She took full responsibility for it.

“She ends up here before the court. Her health has been breaking down for quite a while. She cooperated fully from day one and she was very frank at interview.”

Judge Philip O’Leary said: “This is a very serious matter, selling crack cocaine. Clearly, this was going on for some time. She has a previous conviction for possession of cannabis.”

The judge said he would impose a six-month sentence, suspended on condition that she would commit no further offences for the next 12 months.

On the application of Inspector O’Donovan, the judge made an order for the destruction of the drugs and the forfeiture of the cash to the state.