Laois drug driver banned

A road ban was handed out to a man who admitted drug driving in Laois. 

Nathaniel Allen, 27, of Derrinoliver, Pike-of-Rushall, Mountrath was stopped while driving a van at a checkpoint in Cappakeel, Portlaoise on May 30, 2023. 

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and cannabis was detected in a blood sample he provided to gardai. 

Garda Noel Tier said the defendant had three previous convictions for possession of drugs for personal use. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty. She said he is employed in “groundworks”and a disqualification will have “a huge detrimental effect” on him. 

Judge Andrew Cody fined the man €200 and disqualified him from driving for one year