“WHAT sort of example is he setting for his children with his recreational drug use,” a Judge asked at Galway District Court when a father of four appeared before him on a cannabis related charge.
Christopher McDonagh (44 ) was stopped and searched by Gardaí after he was observed “trying to evade them” in the Ballybane area. Cannabis to the value of €20 was found in his pocket. He insisted it was for his personal use, Judge John King was told.
McDonagh had 84 previous convictions, but his last drugs conviction dated back approximately 20 years.
Cathy McDarby solr (defending ) pleaded that her client was a recreational user of cannabis and his last offence was a long time ago.
“Yes, but it’s still an offence. Are you telling me he’s no longer a recreational user,” the Judge asked.
Ms McDarby said her client was terrified of being in custody because of his record.
The Judge asked what sort of an example a father of four was setting for his children and the defence assured him that her client would never have drugs around the home.
“If I sent him to his GP for a test today would he come up clean?” the Judge asked and the defence admitted probably not.
The Judge said he was willing to apply the Probation Act on condition that McDonagh undergo one recent urine analysis test, at his own expense, and present it at the July 6 sitting of the Court.
“I expect a clear urine test, if not, all bets are off” he warned.
