A MAN undergoing radiotherapy who according to his brief “went off the rails for a bit” was given a chance when he came before Judge Adrian Harris at Galway District Court charged with possessing €100 worth of cocaine.
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast noted that the arresting Garda had noted on the file that the defendant had been extremely cooperative with the Gardaí, adding that it was quite unusual to see this recorded on file.
The man’s defence pleaded that his client was 45 and on disability. He was undergoing radiotherapy and his mother had just died so “he went off the rails for a bit.” The cocaine was for his own personal use during a time when he was experiencing real personal difficulties.
The Court was told the defendant had four previous convictions but these dated back to 2007.
Judge Harris said in light of the defendant’s guilty plea and his noted attitude towards the Gardaí, he thought he deserved a break.
If a €100 contribution to the poor box was made he would strike out the charge. However, he warned that if this option was not availed of by December 21 he would instead impose a conviction and a fine of €200.
