Man caught with heroin at Letterkenny bus station

A man with 50 previous convictions was found with €350 worth of heroin concealed in his trousers at Letterkenny bus station has also appeared in court on a charge of failure to control a dog.

Andrew O’Neill, a 22-year-old with an address at Meadowbank, Letterkenny, appeared before Letterkenny District Court in connection with the matters.

Inspector Paul Gallagher outlined details of the case to the court.

At around 12.30am on October 3, 2020, O’Neill was stopped by Gardai at Letterkenny bus station and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Officers located a small bag of brown powder concealed in his trousers. Analysis established that the substance was heroin, valued at €350.

O’Neill also appeared over an incident on September 1, 2022 at Glencar Park, Letterkenny. Gardai were attending to a male who required medical attention when they were approached by O’Neill.

The defendant was walking a dog which was a cross between a pit bull and a Staffordshire bull terrier and was not muzzled.

O’Neill began to impede members who were rendering assistance. O’Neill became abusive and aggressive, clenching his fists. Gardai had to administer handcuffs due to O’Neill’s level of aggression. Inspector Gallagher said the dog, which was being held by O’Neill’s partner, was barking at the time. Force had to be used in the conveyance of O’Neill to Letterkenny garda station.

Inspector Gallagher told the court that O’Neill has 50 previous convictions, including 29 for road traffic offences, six offences contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act, 12 for theft, one for the possession of a knife, one for the possession of a mobile phone while in prison and one for criminal damage.

Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for O’Neill, said his client has been in a ‘significant state of despondency’ following a relationship break-up. “He did not handle that break-up too well,” Mr O’Brien said. “He is now rebuilding his life. He has suffered greatly with an addiction to drugs, but he is no longer using and he has undergone various periods of treatment.”

Judge Éiteain Cunningham said the drugs charge was ‘concerning’ to the court and asked if a probation and welfare report would benefit the accused.

O’Neill addressed the court and told Judge Cunningham that he started taking drugs when he was 13 or 14.

“I have no medical card and I couldn’t get addiction treatment,” O’Neill said, apologising for his demeanour on a previous court appearance. “I am clean at the moment.”

Judge Cunningham said it was important for O’Neill to engage with the Probation Service. “We are talking about €350 worth of heroin, a serious drug.”

The case was adjourned until January 22, 2024.