Co Kildare teenager planning to join army warned cannabis will 'slowly destroy' him

A Co Kildare teenager due to start the army appeared at Naas Court following being found in possession of hundreds of euros worth of cannabis.

The 18- year-old who appeared in court told Judge Desmond Zaidan that he smokes 'now and then.'

Garda evidence was given that the accused was found with €300 worth of cannabis.

Defence Solicitor, Tim Kennelly, outlined how the teenager has completed his Leaving Cert and is a 'bright young man.'

Superintendent Martin Walker said that the €300 was a month's supply of cannabis.

He said: "At that particular juncture, he was smoking cannabis."

The teenager told the court that he smokes now and then.

Judge Desmond Zaidan warned : "You should take it seriously. I could write it off now and you wouldn't join the cadets.  You will get hooked and it will slowly destroy you."

The accused's mother accompanied him in court, evidence was given that his father, a member of the army, appeared on the last occasion.

Defence asked if money could be donated to ISPCC, as his mother volunteers for it.

Addressing the accused, Judge Zaidan said: "You must stop, the courts will not destroy you, you will destroy you."

He was ordered to pay €1,000 to Sensational Kids in Kildare town and €500 to the Irish Heart Foundation.