DRUG DRIVER JAILED, BANNED AND FINED

A man who was drug driving a stolen car was sentenced to six months in prison and banned for seven years.

Airidas Lusys, (19), 7 Milford Manor Green, Clondalkin, appeared in Bray District Court last Thursday and entered a plea of guilty.

Garda Anastasia Rowe saw the vehicle on Strand Road on April 11, 2019, and was alerted to it having been stolen. She activated the lights and siren and the vehicle was slow to stop, eventually pulling in on Castle Street.

She said that the driver admitted to not having a licence. He said his mother had purchased the car a few days earlier. He admitted to having no insurance.

The car had been stolen in Clondalkin.

He and a passenger were arrested. A search uncovered a showercap containing seven bags of cannabis herb underneath the drivers seat. The defendant tested positive for the presence of cannabis and cocaine.

The court heard that the defendant has 22 previous convictions including dangerous driving, drunken driving, no insurance, theft, and possession of drugs. He was banned from driving for four years on April 4, 2019, for drug driving.

Barrister Eamonn O’Moore said that his client resides with his mother and sister and has a three-yearold son with whom he has regular contact.

He did his Junior Cert and went on to Youthreach where he excelled at woodwork. Mr O’Moore said that his client has detoxed in prison and is doing courses. His father died when he was in primary school, the court heard.

Judge David Kennedy said that the defendant has amassed quite a few convictions in a relatively short time.

As well as the custodial sentence for the drug driving offence, he handed down a fine of €1,000.