Sold heroin to undercover gardaí

A Portlaoise woman appealing a prison sentence for selling heroin to undercover gardaí has had the sentence increased but suspended in full by Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Deirdre Kelly of 12 O’Moore Place, appeared before the recent circuit court to appeal a six-month sentence she received in the district court. Her arrest in 2015 arose out of Operation Nero, an ongoing operation into the supply of drugs. She had 33 previous convictions.

Her appeal was adjourned a number of times by Judge Keenan Johnson, who said the circuit court would monitor her progress.

When the case came before him again last week, Judge Johnson noted that she had acquired new offences, but the probation officer was very supportive of her.

Judge Johnson increased the sentence to eight months, suspended for three years on condition the accused enter into a peace bond for six years, and remain under probation supervision for 18 months.