Appeal to leave man caught with €300 worth of cocaine without conviction

A district court judge says she will need to see a probation report before deciding whether to leave a man charged with possession of €300 worth of cocaine without a conviction.

John McGroarty, 53 of Rossnowlagh, Ballyshannon was before Donegal District Court on Wednesday, October 2. 

He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine valued at €300 on August 31, 2022 at Ardeskin, Donegal Town.

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that on the date in question at 9.35am, gardaí executed a warrant at the address of the defendant. 

“Cocaine to the value of €300 was located during the search,” she said. “He made an admission to use for himself.”

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Rory O’Brien appealed to the judge to leave his client without a conviction.

“He is a gentleman who has an impeccable background,” said Mr O’Brien. 

“This arose from a small dalliance with this drug. He has never come to any attention whatsoever.

“He was involved in a profession. As a result of this he resigned from his position. Not necessary in my opinion but he did it as a man of candour and integrity.

“He has led an unblemished life up to this.”

The solicitor said the drug had been for joint personal use between the defendant and another individual. 

With regard to avoiding a conviction, Mr O’Brien said: “He is in a position to make a donation to charity. 

“He has many plans for the future, one of which might be to engage in his old profession.”

Judge Sandra Murphy said: “I hear what you have to say. I want to get a probation report.”

She adjourned the matter to March 4.