Longford man unable to make court donation is convicted for cocaine possession
A man who was unable to make a charity donation to avoid a criminal conviction because his “circumstances changed” was handed down a fine of €200.
Andrew Doherty (27) of Foxhall Lodge, Smithfield, Legan Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with the unlawful possession of cocaine at Knockahaw, Longford on October 19, 2022.
Mr Doherty told the judge he was now in a homeless shelter and was unable to come up with the charity donation.
The defendant, who up to this had no previous convictions, told the court that he was in receipt of a disability payment from the State.
Judge Owens imposed a fine of €200, giving Mr Doherty six months to pay.