Uninsured Longford drug driver ‘recognised his wrong doing’ and 'has had a road to Damascus'
Defendant received suspended prison sentence at last week’s sitting of Longford District Court
A Longford town man received suspended prison sentences on a number of charges at last week’s sitting of Longford District Court.
Aaron Harris (23), with an address at 4 Pine Grove, Clonbalt Woods, Longford, received a four month prison sentence for having no car insurance. The sentence was suspended for 18 months.
This offence occured in Templemichael Terrace, Longford, on February 20, 2023.
On the same date and in the same place, he was found to have drugs in his system. For this, he received a four month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Between the dates of June 1, 2021 and July 15. 2021, he was charged with aiding or abetting to counsel or procure for the commission of an indictable offence.
On this charge, he received four months imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months.
The defendant’s solicitor, Frank Gearty, told the court that his client has secured work and is awaiting a safe pass.
“He has secured work in Wicklow. He is moving away from the family home. The situation is very bad in his own house and he can’t stand to be there,” he stated.
“He is a very good prospect if he controls his drug habit. He is highly mannerly when sober,” Mr Gearty added.
The solicitor went on to say that his client “recognised his wrong doing.”
“My client has had a road to Damascus. He gave up drugs two months ago. It is early days but he believes that he can sustain this,” he stated.
Summing up the case, Judge Bernadette Owens said, “I am taking into account Mr Gearty’s mitigation on behalf of his client.”
“With regard to his family background, conditions are particularly adverse. I am struck that he is here today without family support,” she added.