Man charged with driving while disqualified and possession of cannabis fined

A man has appeared in Derry Magistrates Court charged with driving while disqualified and possession of cannabis.

Ian Doherty, 24, of Rossmore Place, Strathfoyle was stopped on March 25 last year by police. 

Police discovered that Doherty had been driving while disqualified for a previous offence. 

They also noticed a strong smell of cannabis, which Doherty admitted to possessing when interviewed. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that Doherty was not aware that he had been disqualified as his mother had intercepted his post in an attempt to protect his mental health.

The court heard that Doherty only used the cannabis for his mental health and asked for a short disqualification.

Doherty was fined £200 and disqualified for eight weeks.