A special needs assistant found herself charged with drug possession when she was brought before Carlow District Court this week.
Jennifer Martin (24 ) No 4 Oakhill, Carlow was charged with one count of possession at Wednesday’s court sitting.
Garda Liam Lalor told the court that on April 24, 2008, he searched the house of the defendant under a drug warrant.
“While searching the bedroom we found two pieces of cannabis. She said ‘it’s two bits of hash and it’s mine,’” he told the court. Defending solicitor Brendan O’Flaherty said Ms Martin was just going through an experimental phase and was very remorseful and concerned that a conviction would impact her career.
“Nobody forced her to take or buy drugs,” said Judge Harnett. “These people can read and write. If they buy drugs they are supporting the scourge of this country — the drug dealers. They go around killing people and earn vast sums of money on the backs of people who steal to feed their habit and run the risk of ruining their health. They are all told in school, the gardaí visit every school, they read the newspapers, watch television,” he said.
Imposing a fine of €300 and registering a conviction, Judge Harnett added, “she should have known better.”
