Longford District Court: ‘I won't be impressed if he comes to any adverse Garda attention’ -Judge

A man found in possession of over €2,500 worth of cocaine was told he may avoid a conviction if he makes a substantial donation to the court poor box. Aidan Carberry (28) of Cartronbrack, Kenagh, Longford was charged with possession of cocaine at Cartronbreac, Kenagh.

Outlining details of the offences before the court Sergeant Enda Daly told the court officers executed a search warrant on a Kenagh premises on March 27, 2021.

The search uncovered 36.96 grams of white powder in a vehicle belonging to the defendant. A lab analysis of the powder identified it as cocaine, valued at €2,586.29.

Sgt Daly agreed with the defendant's solicitor, John Quinn, that Mr Carberry had co-operated at all times through the investigation.

“He was straight up in all his dealings with Gardaí,” Mr Quinn told Judge Bernadette Owens, “he had the cocaine for himself and his friends.”

Mr Quinn pointed out that the defendant had no previous convictions and said a conviction for drug possession would have a significant impact on his life.

Mr Quinn said Mr Carberry had demonstrated that he was now “clear of drugs” and had not come to the attention of Gardaí since the search in March of '21.

Mr Quinn said his client was working with a local company, but now works on his own plaster boarding. The defendant had €1,000 for the court poor box if the judge would consider this as an option.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she would adjourn the matter to June 25 to give Mr Carberry an opportunity to come before the court with €1,750 for the court poor box, adding: “I won't be impressed if he comes to any adverse Garda attention in the meantime.”