Man threw a joint out of his car window in front of a garda in Tipperary

Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

placeholder image — Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

The man's solicitor told Nenagh District Court, he was 'very embarrassed.'

An Athlone man has been referred to the Restorative Justice Programme after a guard saw him throw a joint from his car window.

Charles Anthony Connell (37) of Glenwood Baylin, Athlone, came before Nenagh District Court charged with possession of cannabis on the Birr Road, Roscrea, on January 27, 2024.

The court heard that while on patrol in Roscrea, a garda observed Mr Connell discard a joint from his car window.

The guard searched the vehicle and found a small amount of cannabis in a container under the front seat. The value of the cannabis was approximately €100.

The solicitor acting for the defendant said their client was “very embarrassed” about the incident and had not come to garda attention previously. The court was told the defendant is fully employed.

Judge Fiona Brennan referred Mr Connell for assessment for the Restorative Justice Programme and put the matter back to January.

She said that if the defendant meets all his obligations under the programme, the matter will be struck out.