Probation on drugs charge

Andrew McHale (24) of Reedstown, Tacumshane admitted being in possession of €25 worth of cannabis herb which came to light when he was searched by Garda Niall Brophy at The Faythe.

The matter was dealt with at the District Court sitting in Ardcavan where a list of previous convictions read out the prosecution included public order offences, public order offences, robbery and violent disorder.

The cannabis prosecution dated back to April 14 last year and solicitor Tim Cummings suggested to Judge Gerard Haughton that his client had not come to more recent garda attention.

McHale was due to enter rehab with St Francis Farm in November, Mr Cummings added before the court allowed the defendant the, benefit of the Probation Act.