Longford man with ‘a bad history’ receives suspended sentence

A 21-year-old Granard man has appeared before Longford District Court accused of multiple drug related offences.  

Tommy Lee Doyle - whose address at the time of the offence was 9 Trumra Road, Granard, Longford - was charged with 2 counts of having in his possession two controlled drugs for sale or supply when he was stopped and searched at the rear of number 6 Richmond Street in Longford town on December 17, 2024. 

Tommy Lee Doyle leaving Longford District Court

He was also charged with two counts of unlawful possession on the same date. The combined value of the two drugs in his possession was just over €1,100.

Courts: ‘You walked out in front of my car last night!’ - Longford Judge admonishes theft accused 

Garda Gary Murphy was the prosecuting garda. 

Sergeant Enda Daly told the court that Mr Doyle had 30 previous convictions, the most recent being Sligo District Court on February 4 2026.

 “A lot of road traffic matters Judge,” Sgt Daly said before outlining the specifics which included 13 counts of dangerous driving. Sgt Daly added that Mr Doyle had also appeared Longford District Court in January. 

Solicitor for the accused Aoife Kelly highlighted the presence of a probation report before informing the court, “with respect to the matters that came before you on January 20, there was a community service order for 240 hours imposed by the court. 

“I would say that my client already has more than a third of those hours completed. The report states that Mr Doyle is engaging with community services.”

News: Gardaí probe unauthorised taking of car outside Longford-based global healthcare provider 

Judge Owens noted that the report also stated Mr Doyle had declined a training opportunity and questioned why. In response, Solr Kelly explained that her client had hoped to take up employment at the time but unfortunately “that employment didn’t work out.”

The solicitor went on to add that her client “admits he has a bad history”, but was hoping to turn things around. 

She added, “He has applied to Longford County Council for housing and is hoping he and his partner will be able to obtain accommodation and they hope to get married later this year. He has said he would be willing to complete a further period of community service.” 

Solr Kelly said her client had 90 hours of community service already completed, leaving 150 hours remaining. She then proposed an adjournment in order to allow her client complete further hours. 

The probation officer confirmed for the court Mr Doyle had been carrying out eight hours of community service per week. 

News: "Financial support': Shop Front Enhancement Scheme 2026 now open for independent retailers

In dealing with the matter, Judge Bernadette Owens said, “in respect of Garda Murphy’s matters, I will look at imposing a community service sanction,” before adding in relation to the sale or supply charge that she was convicting Mr Doyle and sentencing him to five months imprisonment which she was suspending for 18 months on his own bond of €200.

Judge Owens listed Garda Murhpy’s final charge for the May 12 sitting of the district court, which, she said would be for the imposition of a community service order of 140 hours in lieu of 5 months and to establish his progress with his community service hours.