Longford District Court: Two year ban for drug driving

A young man who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cocaine without insurance was banned from the road for two years at Longford District Court.

Conor Carberry (25) of Whiterock, Longford faced charges of driving with cocaine in his system, and failing to produce drivers licence or insurance.

Sergeant Enda Daly informed the court that Mr Carberry was stopped on February 19, 2023 at St Emer's, Ballinalee Rd, Longford when he was driving at 80kph in a 50kph zone.

The officers believed the defendant was under the influence of an intoxicant. A subsequent test confirmed the presence of cocaine in Mr Carberry's system.

The defendant had two previous convictions, one of which was for driving without due consideration.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client had “ceased taking cocaine”, was undertaking an apprenticeship and was now “doing well”. Mr Gearty pointed out his client entered a guilty plea and explained Mr Carberry did not have insurance as he “was in a difficult financial situation at the time”.

The solicitor said the defendant is from “a good family”.

Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a fine of €450 for driving under the influence of cocaine, with a one year driving ban and a further fine of €300 for the no insurance charge, with a two year disqualification.

A number of charges relating to an incident on June 21, 2023 at Aughintemple, Ardagh, Longford were adjourned to June 11 2024 for a plea or a date for hearing. Judge Owens directed that disclosure be made in respect of those charges.