Mum (32) supplied cannabis to 'circle of friends' after falling into 'dire financial straits'

Tracy McKeown (32) had "a lot on her hands" looking after the seven children when she turned to supplying the drug to a "small circle of friends".

Judge Gerard Jones adjourned her case for the production of a probation report when she appeared at Blanchardstown District Court on drugs charges.

McKeown, with an address at Castlegrange Square, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply.

The court heard gardaí carried out a search of her home under warrant on March 14, 2020.

McKeown was present when gardaí found €3,228 worth of cannabis along with bagging material and weighing scales. There was also a small amount of cocaine - worth €20.

She had seven children in her care - three were her own and she was guardian of her late sister's four children, defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said.

McKeown had been looking after the four children since her sister's death in 2019, and was also responsible for debts including the €8,000 funeral bill.

She "engaged in this activity supplying to a very small circle of friends", Ms Stephens said. There were no trappings of wealth in her home and the activities ceased after the drug seizure, the court heard.

The accused was in "dire financial circumstances" at the time as there was a complication in relation to payments for the children. McKeown had not been getting full guardianship payments.

"She has a lot on her hands, a lot of children to look after," the judge said. He told Ms Stephens he wanted to see a probation report before finalising the case.

He remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear in court again on a date next month.