A woman terrified by the prospect of a long jail term for her subordinate role in importing £200,000 worth of heroin tried to commit suicide, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday. The woman who acted as her "boss" during the operation to bring the drugs into Dublin Airport absconded while on bail.
Ann Hickson (47) is presently recovering in hospital in London, where she has been living while on bail, defence counsel, Mr Patrick Marrinan, said. Hickson, with an address in London, pleaded guilty last July to importing the heroin and £500 worth of cocaine on August 24th, 1995.
Judge Cyril Kelly adjourned the case to November 28th saying it was clear from the evidence that Hickson was mentally incapacitated.