A young Galway man has avoided a drugs conviction on his record, which could have stymied his ambition to live abroad and teach English.
He appeared before Judge Fiona Lydon at Galway District Court on a drug possession charge. Defending solicitor Cathy McDarby told the court that her client had tried cocaine and didn’t like it, and now accepted that along with what he thought were some positive sides to smoking cannabis there were a lot of negatives, and he knows he is not going to smoke it again. He was from a good family and his mother was in court with him, she pleaded.
Ms McDarby explained that her client was interested in studying a TEFL course, teaching English as a foreign language, and going abroad to teach.
The defendant had no previous convictions and had taken a Prime for Life course to help him with his issues. Judge Lydon said it appeared he was dealing with things, and as such she would give him a chance. She said she would apply the Probation Act if he made a €300 contribution to Galway Hospice. If he didn’t, it would be a conviction on his record and a €500 fine.
