Longford man found with cocaine told to stump up €500 to avoid conviction
A man who “carried the can” for a drug possession charge was given an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction for the offence.
Dylan Ruske of Abbeyderg, Kenagh, Longford pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of cocaine and possession of the drug for sale or supply at Centenary Square, Longford.
Sergeant Conor McShane said that at 8:30pm on December 30, 2020 the Divisional Drugs Unit undertook a stop and search of Dylan Ruske as they believed he was in possession of cocaine.
The defendant was found in possession of the drug, and said it was for himself and a friend.
The court was told Mr Ruske has 15 previous convictions; all road traffic except one for a breach of the Covid Movement of People Act.
Judge Bernadette Owens asked the defendant's solicitor, Fiona Baxter, if her client was “getting ready for New Years”.
Ms Baxter said her client was in the company of others when stopped by the Gardaí and “ended up carrying the can”.
The solicitor said since the incident, two and half years of Mr Ruske's life had gone by, and he has made significant progress.
Ms Baxter stated that her client has lost eight stone in weight and is very active in the gym.
The legal representative expressed the defendant's wishes to go to college with the ultimate aim of joining the army. Ms Baxter said Mr Ruske has “got away from the crowd he was with”.
Judge Owens said given the defendant's efforts in addressing the issue in his life she would give him an opportunity to pay €500 to the court poor box.
The judge adjourned the matter to October 3, saying if Mr Ruske made the €500 donation to the court poor box the matter will be struck out, however if he does not make the payment he will receive a €500 fine and a conviction.