Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 14622Smuggling drugs into prison · Co. Laois · 17 Jun 2023

Woman sentenced for trying to smuggle drugs into Portlaoise Prison

Rebecca Gaughran, a 34-year-old woman of Drogheda, Co Louth, was found with heroin and benzodiazepine tablets in the search area of Portlaoise Prison on 17 June 2023, at about 3.20pm. Gardaí said the drugs were worth around €4,000, and she made admissions when interviewed. She was charged with bringing the drugs into the prison and admitted the offence at Portlaoise District Court. Judge Fay imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, as reported in February 2025.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced12 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí found €3,640 of diamorphine, also known as heroin, and 80 benzodiazepine tablets, with a total value of around €4,000.
Where
The drugs were brought into Portlaoise Prison and found in its search area.
When
The offence took place on 17 June 2023, when the woman was found with the drugs at about 3.20pm.
Investigation
  • Gardaí found the woman with the drugs in the search area of Portlaoise Prison.
  • The woman made admissions when interviewed by gardaí.
Charges
The woman was charged with bringing benzodiazepine and diamorphine into Portlaoise Prison.
In court
The woman admitted the offence at Portlaoise District Court.
Sentence
Judge Fay imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year; one report is dated 12 February 2025 and the text gives 14 February 2025.
Other details
  • The woman's stated motive was to get money for a grave plaque.
  • The woman said she was offered €500 to bring a package into the prison.
  • The woman said she thought the package contained cannabis, not heroin.
  • Gardaí requested a destruction order for the drugs.
  • The woman is named in the reports as Rebecca Gaughran, aged 34, of Drogheda, Co Louth.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí found €3,640 of diamorphine and 80 benzodiazepine tablets. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe drugs were brought into Portlaoise Prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on 17 June 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí found the accused with the drugs in the search area of Portlaoise Prison at about 3.20pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe woman made admissions when interviewed by gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with bringing benzodiazepine and diamorphine into Portlaoise Prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe accused admitted the offence at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Fay imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe total value of the drugs was around €4,000. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused's motive was to get money for a grave plaque. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused was offered €500 to bring a package into the prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused said she thought the package contained cannabis, not heroin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí requested a destruction order for the drugs. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Feb2025
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Woman tried to smuggle drugs into Portlaoise Prison in her underwear

    Court report on the sentencing of a woman who admitted bringing heroin and benzodiazepines into Portlaoise Prison, including her stated motive and the sentence imposed.

    convicted, Rebecca Gaughran, 34, female, named, irish (judged from name)Rebecca Gaughran