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A Limerick man facing sentencing for a string of drug dealing offences is being kept under strict 23-hour lockdown in prison for his own safety, a court has heard.
Ian Hopkins, (33), Fedamore, Co Limerick, was placed in restrictive protective custody at Limerick Prison after drugs belonging to underworld figures, which he had in his possession, were seized by gardaí.
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Hopkins, who admitted distributing drugs and laundering money on behalf of unidentified criminals, appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Colin Daly.
The court heard that Hopkins will receive consecutive sentences because he continued to commit offences while he was out on bail and ordered not to re-offend.
Hopkins, who has 43 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to a catalogue of offences, including possession of cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply, money laundering, and possession of weapons including a hatchet, screwdriver, and handsaw.
His barrister, Brian McInerney SC, told the court that Hopkins is now under protective custody in Limerick Prison, confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
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“He is on protection while in custody, in order to protect him from individuals or agents of individuals who are unhappy that he was subject to Garda attention, and because a significant amount of drugs were seized,” Mr McInerney said.
“Some might say he brought it on himself by getting involved in drugs, but there is no likelihood he will be able to interact with the general prison population.”
While not at the bottom of Limerick’s drug trade, McInerney argued Hopkins is “a long, long way from the top”.
Hopkins’ descent into drug crime began in earnest on December 12th, 2020, when Gardaí stopped him driving a Mercedes. Inside, they discovered a shoebox packed with cannabis and €24,810 in cash wrapped in plastic and hidden under his seat.
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Hopkins, Fedamore, Co Limerick, told officers he had collected the drugs and cash in Wexford for an unidentified person. Asked about the cash, he replied chillingly: “Me getting shot, is what that is for. There’s €20,000 there.”
Despite being released on bail, Hopkins continued offending. On January 16th, 2021, gardaí intercepted him in a car at Castletroy, seizing cannabis worth €554, large sums of cash, and a hatchet and screwdriver, which Hopkins claimed he carried “for protection”.
A follow-up search of an apartment in Bloomfield, Annacotty, linked to Hopkins, yielded over €16,000 worth of cannabis, €2,951 in cash, amphetamines, and more drug paraphernalia.
“He was a classic drugs mule, carrying out activities for other criminals,” said prosecution barrister John O’Sullivan BL.
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Hopkins said he was addicted to drugs and trying to pay off a €40,000 debt to unknown parties and that he was taking tablets for anxiety and depression.
On February 4th 2021, Hopkins was arrested again—this time in the back of a taxi with nearly €10,000 worth of cannabis. A follow-up search of his Annacotty apartment unearthed €26,105 in cash, more drugs, high-end clothing, and a vacuum-packing machine.
Hopkins claimed he used the machine to seal and bury cash as part of efforts to settle a mounting €50,000 debt to criminal associates.
The court also heard that Hopkins was found bleeding heavily inside a Limerick City apartment in December 2021 after two masked men attempted to break in. Gardaí found drug-dealing paraphernalia and €4,500 worth of cannabis at the scene.
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In another bust on February 26th, 2022, gardaí seized €1,830 worth of cannabis from Hopkins car. A search of his Fedamore home uncovered €41,000 worth of cannabis, as well as cocaine, MDMA, and benzocaine, a cocaine-cutting agent.
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Hopkins, who had no employment since 2019, told gardaí he was living on social welfare, studying cyber security online, and still struggling with addiction. His barrister said he had since kicked the habit while in custody.
The court was told that Hopkins’ partner who was identified in court as “Ms X” had died by “tragic” and sudden circumstances at the home they shared in Fedamore.
Nicole Morey, 23, was killed by her own dogs, including XL Bullies, last June. Her sister, Jolene, has since campaigned for strict legislation outlawing the breeding of these dogs.
Judge Daly remanded Hopkins in continuing custody ahead of sentencing on May 2nd.
“}]] Hopkins, who admitted distributing drugs and laundering money on behalf of unidentified criminals, appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Colin Daly. Read More
