Former criminology student caught bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison

A woman who had studied criminology admitted bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison. 

Suzanne Delaney (31) of 48 Radharc na Farraig, Convent Lands, Wicklow town, admitted bringing Spice synthetic cannabinoids,  cannabis herb and benzodiazepine into Portlaoise Prison on February 15 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said packages containing controlled substances were discovered when the woman was going through security at the prison. In total, he said the estimated value was €1,760. 

Sgt Kirby said “it was a large amount of drugs to be bringing in.” He said the plea of guilty was appreciated by the State. “She did cooperate and was extremely compliant,” he said. 

He explained that the woman had one previous conviction for being intoxicated in public. 

On hearing the facts, Judge Susan Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had no prior convictions in relation to drugs. 

“Pressure was brought to bear to bring in these items,” she said.

“The woman was in a friendship at the time and the partner of her friend was in prison,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client didn’t use drugs or have a drug debt and was a “poor candidate” to bring drugs into the prison. 

She said the woman had previously studied criminology and had "pursued legal studies” for a while. She said the woman was hoping to go back to education. 

“She is extremely ashamed for being before the court,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Susan Fay said it was a serious offence. She ordered a probation report and requested that the defendant be assessed for community service. The defendant was remanded on bail to appear again at Portlaoise District Court on May 26 for the probation report.