KILDARE COURT: Man started taking drugs at the age of 13
A man who appeared before Naas District Court told the judge he started taking drugs 30 years ago, at the age of 13.
Jonathan Blanchfield, 44, whose address was given as Peter McVerry Trust House, Eyre Street, Newbridge, was prosecuted for having pepper spray at Basin Street, Naas on August 18, 2022.
Sgt Mary Meade said gardaí became suspicious when they saw the defendant fumbling his pockets.
Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said the defendant told gardaí that he found the pepper spray.
The defendant appeared in court with crutches and told Judge Desmond Zaidan he had been struck by a car, fracturing four bones in his foot.
He added he started taking drugs when he was 13.
He also said he is “opiate free” for 18 months. He was bound to the peace for a period of 12 months.