Court hears Government economist drove during a ‘drug induced psychosis’
AGOVERNMENT economist who was caught by police in Enniskillen during a “drug induced episode of psychosis” has been sentenced. John Synnott (26), of Derry Road, Newtownabbey, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday, April 3).
Synnott had previously pleaded guilty to charges of driving when unfit through drugs, and possessing the Class-b drug, cannabis.
A prosecutor told the court how on November 25 of last year, police received a report from Synnott’s parents, claiming that he was driving a car in Enniskillen that belonged to his father.
Police located Synnott at the Sligo Road, Enniskillen, driving a silver Mercedes 320d, the court heard.
They observed that his speech was slurred and his pupils were dilated. A small amount of cannabis was then located in the car.
Synnott was arrested and brought to the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, where he failed to provide a sample of blood. He was later admitted to Hollywood
Hospital, near Belfast.
Barrister, Steffan Rafferty, said that Synnott worked as a Government Economist, and at the time of the incident had been off work due to poor physical and mental health.
‘Unfortunate incident’
Mr. Rafferty said that the “very unfortunate” incident was born out of a “drug-induced episode of psychosis”.
However, the barrister asserted that Synnott was not struggling with addiction, and that he displayed “no evidence of drug-taking behaviour or other contributing factors”.
Speaking further on the incident last November, Mr. Rafferty said Synnott “came to police attention due to family concern”.
Mr. Rafferty continued: “They knew he had travelled West, and they contacted the police. He was detected after this.
“He came to Enniskillen hoping to present himself to police, effectively to hand himself in for a crime that he didn’t commit.
“He is a bright individual, as his job would suggest, but his mental health has suffered and he took a downward spiral.
“Thankfully, he has resolved all the issues that gave rise to this, and has since returned to work.”
Job
Mr. Rafferty added that a driving disqualification would impact Synnott’s employment, as his job “requires him to travel across the jurisdiction”.
Deputy District Judge Archer said he was prepared to give Synnott credit for his early pleas of guilty.
“It’s very unfortunate that you come before the court in relation to this,” the judge said.
“However, you are responsible for your actions, as you have indicated by your plea.”
Judge Archer disqualified Synnott from driving for a period of 12 months, and imposed a £100 fine along with a £15 offender levy.