A young man convicted of a drug offence in his absence may now have to explain his record if he intends remaining in Australia, where he now lives.
Judge Fiona Lydon heard at Galway District Court that Patrick McLoughlin was found in possession of cannabis to the value of €25 when he was arrested by Gardaí following a traffic incident in which he nearly caused a collision with a Garda patrol car.
The Court heard evidence that Gardaí were on patrol on the Headford Road at 10.05pm on June 2, 2024 when they noticed McLoughlin driving erratically. He drove into the path of the patrol car and the driver had to swerve to avoid a collision. When they stopped the defendant he had a rolled joint in his possession.
Defending solicitor Sean Acton pointed out that, although his client had the cannabis in his car, a subsequent test showed that there was none of the drug in his system. He added that his client had never been in trouble before in his life.
Judge Lydon imposed a conviction and a €200 fine on the cannabis charge and on a charge of careless driving on the same date she imposed a fine of €500.
