A plumber, described in court as a hard-working young man who is “doing well and very busy,” pleaded through his solicitor to be given a chance, as a criminal conviction for cannabis possession would have serious consequences for him if he wanted to travel.
Judge John Brennan was told at Galway District Court that Gardaí observed the defendant at the Headford Road acting suspiciously on a date in July, 2024. He was searched and cannabis to the value of €50 was found on him.
The defence pleaded that he had not smoked cannabis since then and had fully co-operated with the Gardaí. He was in full-time work, and the drug was for his own use.
The judge said he was satisfied that this was a young man starting out in life, and if he agreed to undergo an addiction awareness programme, which he would have to pay for himself, and could prove to the court he had done so, then he would strike out the charge.
Adjourning matters for the defendant to undertake the awareness programme, Judge Brennan warned him that if he failed to take the opportunity offered then he would impose a conviction and a fine of €400 instead.
