MAN (38) HAD €100 WORTH OF COCAINE

A man found in possession of €100 worth of cocaine has been fined €300 and warned he was ‘ lucky not to go into custody’.

John McCormack (38), Beechwood Drive, Marley’s Lane pleaded guilty to possession of the cocaine at Hillview, Drogheda on February 17th, 2018.

The court heard that at around 7pm gardaú observed a vehicle parked in the area. They spoke to the driver who seemed nervous and following a search he was found in possession of €100 of cocaine.

McCormack has 55 previous convictions, three of which are drug related.

The most recent was in March 2019 for driving offences.

Addressing the defendant’s solicitor, Dermot Monahan, Judge Eirinn McKiernan commented: ‘He has a bad record Mr Monahan.’

However, Mr Monahan replied: ‘I wouldn’t say it’s the worst record you’ve had before you,’ adding his client was now off drugs and his last significant matters date back to 2013.

‘He is a man who isn’t coming to garda attention, he is pleading guilty and he has €200 with him in court to offer as a donation.’

‘Absolutely not,’ Judge McKiernan replied. ‘It’s cocaine. There’s no way I’d consider a contribution - in fact I was considering imposing a custodial sentence.’

Mr Monahan said other than the motoring offence McCormack hadn’t come to notice since 2013. He had been co-operative with gardaí and didn’t cause any osbtruction.

Imposing a €300 fine Judge McKiernan said: ‘Explain to your client he’s a lucky man he’s not going into custody on that charge’.