Probationact

admitted at the scene that he was not insured.

In court, solicitor Colette Culleton explained that her client had been faced with a huge hike in premium and he could not afford cover.

Parr was on social welfare for health reasons, she said, adding that he was a native of Adelaide in Australia but had been in Ireland since 1979, raising a family in this country.

Judge John Brennan acknowledged that Parr had been in an unfortunate situation but ruled that there was no excuse for not obeying the law.

A fine of €300 was handed down, with nine months allowed for payment.

Garda Eamonn Cahill discovered the accused, one of a family of seven, at Mulgannon on August 16, 2016 after reports were received of a woman acting suspiciously.

She handed over a grinder and €50 worth of cannabis herb.

In Wexford Court, solicitor Ed King said that his client had started smoking at the age of 13 but said she was dealing with her difficulties.

Kelly Murphy (25) of 3 St Aidan’s Crescent, Wexford had eight D10 tablets in her wallet, Garda Brigid Cleary discovered during a search on February 15 last year.

The tabs were worth €80 in total, according to the estimate given to Wexford District Court where Judge John Brennan presided.

He learned that Ms Murphy was the mother of three children and on a methadone programme before the benefit of the Probation Act was extended to the accused. client went on a drinking binge after the death of his grandfather while also suffering from depression.

The benefit of the Probation Act was extended to Kane.