A mother of three told Galway District Court that she smoked cannabis because she suffered from anxiety and didn’t seek treatment from her GP for it.
However, Judge Fiona Lydon told her that cannabis was still an illegal drug, before putting her off the road for one year for drug driving and fining her €500.
Earlier in the sitting, the defendant indicated that she intended to defend herself and just wanted to have the matter dealt with. However, Judge Lydon warned her that the offence could carry a fine of up to €5,000 and six months in prison and advised her to get legal representation, which she did.
Lorraine Joyce of 17, Droim Chaoin, Bishop O’Donnell Road, Galway was stopped by Gardaí at Lough Atalia on January 31 last and arrested under suspicion of driving while under the influence. A subsequent blood test showed positive for cannabis in her system. The Court was told she had one previous conviction for careless driving.
Sean Acton solr (defending ) said his client was single, 41 and had three children. She worked as a cleaner earning €225 per week. She had been entirely co-operative with Gardaí and was anxious to have the case dealt with.
The Judge expressed concern that Joyce had a conviction for careless driving and now one for drug driving, but Mr Acton pleaded that the first conviction had been imposed 15 years ago.
The defendant said that she smoked cannabis for anxiety instead of going to her GP to receive treatment. However, Judge Lydon told her it was still an illegal drug and imposed the driving ban and fine.
