DEALER USED WIFE AND SON TO DISTRIBUTE DRUGS, COURT TOLD

A drug dealer used his wife and teenage son to distribute cannabis to
customers, Cork Criminal Circuit Court heard yesterday.

William Hogan (30), a father of six of Annalee Grove, Mayfield, Cork,
was jailed for two years after he admitted two charges of possessing
cannabis resin at his home on December 12th and January 15th last for
the purpose of sale or supply to others.

Garda Aidan O'Connell of Cork Drugs Squad said he found about 20
£10 "deals" of cannabis wrapped in tinfoil and hidden in the chimney
of the defendant's house.

Hogan made a full statement of admission in which he said his wife,
Roseanne, and a 16yearold son had handed out drugs to customers
under his instructions.

Hogan (37) had a list of over 50 previous convictions, beginning when
he was 12 years old. The court was told he had lived in his present
home with his family for 12 years, and that he and his wife are expecting
their seventh child on Christmas Day.

"This was at the lower end of the spectrum as far as drug dealing is
concerned," said Mr P. Cullinane, defending.

Judge Patrick Moran said: "They all have to start somewhere."