A JUDGE told a man found in possession of cocaine that she believed everybody deserved one chance, but warned him that if he came back before her on a similar charge, he would find himself with a serious criminal record.
The Judge added that she in no way condoned the possession or use of cocaine but she was willing to give him a chance as this was his first offence.
The Court heard the defendant was stopped and searched by Gardaí in the city centre on October 27 last and cocaine to the value of €100 was found in his possession.
Sean Acton solr (defending ) pleaded that his client was 30 and was never in trouble before in his life. He had reacted badly to the ending of a relationship and very much regretted his mistake. He works in the retail sector.
Mr Acton added that his client had undertaken two urine analysis tests with his GP and they were both negative for illegal substances.
Judge Corcoran said she noted the two tests had been done within 17 days of each other and they were negative.
“I don’t condone possession of cocaine but I do believe everybody deserves one chance and I’m going to give you that one chance but if you come back here again, you’ll end up with a serious criminal conviction,” she told the defendant.
On the handing over of a €500 donation to Galway Hospice, the charge was struck out.
