A childcare worker from Co Louth whose offending, involving drugs and the movement of money for an unlawful criminal organisation, has been jailed for two years at Dundalk Circuit Court.
Michaela Fitzpatrick, aged 33, of Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, had previously pleaded guilty to participating in/facilitating organised crime and to possession of drugs with a value in excess of €13,000 for sale or supply.
Further charges for drugs and money laundering offences were also taken into account.
During a sentencing hearing last October, the court previously heard that gardaí had become aware of a suspicious package and a controlled delivery was carried out in January 2024.
The court heard Fitzpatrick took delivery of the package from Thailand, which contained just under 2 kilos of cannabis with an estimated value of just under €40,000.
Gardaí previously told the court that a voicenote was visible on her phone, seeking directions on what should be done with the package.
During an interview with gardaí, Fitzpatrick told them "I do what I have to do to survive".
Gardaí also made inquiries about three bank accounts linked to the defendant that were set up In October 2023 and January 2024.
The court heard a total amount of €43,000 was put into those accounts, and €36,000 had been taken out, predominantly in Thailand, in connection with a man who had links to organised crime.
Fitzpatrick has no previous convictions and has not come to adverse garda attention since.
The court heard that she worked in childcare and heard medical details, including that she had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and also had an acquired brain injury.
In sentencing her, Judge Dara Hayes said it was accepted by Fitzpatrick and her pleas that there was an involvement in serious criminality.
He said it appeared this was "at the behest of overbearing family members".
Judge Hayes took account of mitigating factors, including an early plea, a letter of remorse and that there had been some degree of cooperation.
He also took account of her significant medical issues and the fact she has a young child.
Judge Hayes said aggravating factors included the serious nature of the offences and the assistance her offending gave to serious criminality, involving drugs and the movement of money for an unlawful criminal organisation.
He imposed a three-and-a-half year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended.
