Judge issues jail warning after Letterkenny man's second drug conviction

A Letterkenny man found in possession of €200 worth of cannabis has been warned that he could face prison if caught with drugs again.

William Reilly was caught when Gardai spotted him engaged in an exchange in a hotel car park on New Year's Day.

Reilly, who has “substantial” previous convictions, was fined €600 at Letterkenny District Court.

The 33-year-old , of Canal Road, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny, was charged in connection with an incident on January 1, 2024.

At 11.50pm, Gardai were on patrol when they observed Reilly driving into the car park of the Radisson Hotel and they saw an “exchange of sorts” taking place.

Reilly was searched and cannabis valued at €200 was found on his person. The DPP directed that the matter could be dealt with summarily in the District Court.

The court heard that this was his second conviction for possession of drugs and Inspector Sean McDaid said the accused man had “substantial” other convictions for a variety of offences.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Reilly, said his client apologises for his actions and accepts his previous difficulties.

Judge Emile Daly convicted Reilly and fined him €600, allowing six months to pay.

“In the event of a third offence, the court has jurisdiction to impose a prison sentence and he is now on his second offence,” Judge Daly said.