Offaly man must pay money to charity to avoid conviction

A MAN will be convicted and fined €350 unless he makes a donation of €300 to the Little Blue Heroes garda charity, Judge Fiona Brennan ordered.

Davis Kuka (21), Colliers Brook, Tullamore, appeared at Tullamore District Court and admitted having possession of cannabis at 49 Puttaghaun Close on November 1 last.

Another charge, which alleged possession of the drug for sale or supply to others was struck out after the plea to the possession was entered on Mr Kuka's behalf by defending solicitor Patrick Martin.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court the DPP had directed that the matter could be disposed of summarily and said that 11g of cannabis, with an estimated value of €200, had been found during a search.

Sergeant Thornton said the man had previous convictions for dangerous driving, drink driving and driving without insurance and had been banned from holding a driving licence.

Mr Martin asked that a contribution to the poor box be accepted by Judge Brennan, saying that his client, who was currently out of work because he had suffered an injury, had never previously been convicted of a drugs offence.

Judge Brennan said that the contribution to charity would have to be made by January 15 next if the accused man, who was on legal aid, is to avoid a conviction and fine.