A young apprentice electrician who has a desire to travel pleaded to avoid a criminal drugs conviction on his record as such a record would remain with him for many years.
He was brought before the September 15 sitting of Galway District Court. He consented to undergo a hair follicle test to show he was drug-free before he could be fully relieved of the threat hanging over him.
Judge Fiona Lydon heard that the defendant was found to be in possession of cocaine valued at €100 when he was stopped and searched by Gardaí in Galway city on February 2 last.
The Court heard that he had five previous convictions, but all were road traffic offences. This is his first drug offence. He was fully co-operative with investigating Gardaí the Judge was told.
Defending solicitor Olivia Traynor pleaded that this was a first drug offence and her client wished to travel and for this reason wanted to avoid a conviction. He was 24 and a third-year electrical apprentice. She added that he was very anxious about the case.
Judge Lydon said that the Court’s approach to dealing with drug offences was well known.
She said if the defendant would agree to undergo a drug follicle test, using the Alfabiolab service, and could show that he was drug-free, she would consider what she might do so he could avoid a conviction on his record.
She adjourned matters until the October 8 sitting of the Court.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán under its Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes.
