Longford man found in possession of cannabis distances himself from bad company

A young man who was found in possession of €800 worth of cannabis was given an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction at Longford District Court.

Judge Bernadette Owens gave Konrad Bogdanski (20) 12 Beechwood Park, Granard, Longford seven months to save €1,000 for the court poor box.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the defendant came to Garda attention on February 22, 2023 at Knockahaw, Dublin Road, Longford.

At 3:04pm officers stopped a vehicle in which the defendant was a front seat passenger. The officers noted there was a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle.

A search of the three occupants revealed a bag of herbal cannabis valued at €800. Sgt Daly said Mr Bogdanski had no previous convictions and made admissions straight away.

Solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client is a young working man who makes a contribution to two households as his parents are separated.

Judge Owens asked why the defendant had the large quantity of cannabis, Ms Baxter replied: “It was the company he was keeping at the time. He has now separated from those individuals. It has been a year since this incident and he has not come to Garda attention since. He has grown up.”

Noting that there was a “significant value” in the drugs seized Judge Owens said she would put the matter back to September to give Mr Bogdanski the opportunity to pay €1,000 to the court poor box to avoid a conviction.