Kildare man with previous drug-driving conviction gets another conviction for same type of offence

A North Kildare resident with a previous conviction for drug-driving has been given a second conviction for the same type of offence.

Ricky Watson-Duggan, with an address given as 634 St Patrick's Park in Celbridge, was convicted of the offence at Naas District Court on Thursday, May 25.

Gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the 32-year-old committed the offence at Hillview Heights in Clane on July 31, 2021.

It was heard that Mr Watson-Duggan was driving under the influence of cocaine, and has one previous conviction for drug-driving.

His defending solicitor told Judge Zaidan that Mr Watson-Duggan took cocaine earlier that day, and when he got into his car, he 'thought the drug had left his system by then.'

He also said that Mr Watson-Duggan was co-operative with gardaí.

Judge Zaidan imposed a €500 fine on Mr Watson-Duggan, in addition to a two-year driving disqualification.