Class A drugs ‘is not the way to deal with problems’ Longford defendant told

A defendant found in possession of cocaine at a time in his life when things “were not going well” has been given an opportunity to avoid a conviction for possession of the Class A drug.

Peter Briody (36) of 33 Paraic Colum Heights, Longford pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of cocaine on April 23, 2022 at Longford Garda Station, Battery Road Longford. Garda Enda Daly said that the cocaine was valued at €20.

Mr Briody has nine previous convictions. Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said the father of three children was going through a difficult period at the time. She explained that her client's son had a serious incident where he fell off a building and was in hospital for a long time. Ms Mimnagh said the boy was now doing well.

“He is sorry about this offence. He is now off all drink and drugs. Things were not going well at the time. He was not working and under a lot of emotional stress,” the solicitor said.

Judge John Brennan said that turning to Class A drugs “is not the way to deal with problems”. The judge said he could deal with the charges by way of Probation of Offender Act.

Adjourning the case to February 7 the judge said if the defendant made a charity donation of €300 he would use the probation act, but if not he would impose a fine of €300 with three months in default of payment. The judge issued a destruction order for the drugs.