Drug driver is banned

A driver who admitted a charge of driving while under the influence of cannabis was fined € 200 and banned from driving for four years.

The fine and ban was imposed on James Martin of College Park, Athlone who admitted driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of a vehicle when stopped at Cornageeha.

Mr Dermot McDermott, solicitor ( defending) said Martin ( 21) was visiting his girlfriend in Sligo at the time. He was using the drug for anxiety.

The defendant also admitted possession of € 30 worth of cannabis herb on the same occasion a charge to which the Probation Act was applied by Judge Kilrane who was informed there were no previous convictions.