Longford man found with €100 of cannabis makes contribution to court poor box
The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and avoided a criminal conviction by contributing to the poor box
A man found with €100 worth of cannabis has avoided a criminal conviction by making a contribution to the court poor box at Longford District Court.
Jamie Fitzgerald of 32 McEoin Park, Longford pleaded guilty to being in possession of the drugs at Farnagh Hill, Longford town at 11.30pm on May 7, 2024.
Gardaí observed the defendant acting suspiciously and he was searched and a small quantity of cannabis was found on his person.
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Fitzgerald had no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client suffers from bad anxiety and he has difficulty sleeping.
"He had been dealing with his GP to get that under control," she added.
Ms Baxter said her client, who lives with his mother and sister, has had a very good work history up until recent times and he is now trying to get back into employment.
Judge Bernadette Owens said she would give Fitzgerald the opportunity to avoid a conviction by paying €350 to the court poor box.