Donegal man who had small bag of cannabis in his bedroom convicted on drugs charge
The amount of cannabis involved was valued at approximately €20, allowing the District Court to accept jurisdiction in the matter
An Inishowen man who had a small bag of cannabis in his bedroom when gardai searched his home last year has been convicted of drugs possession and fined €180.
Mark Ramsey, of Ballyderowen, Burnfoot, faced a charge of possession of drugs contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act at Buncrana District Court.
The 34-year-old defendant did not attend court for the hearing. However, Judge Emile Daly noted that he had been properly summonsed and directed that the case proceed in his absence.
The court heard that the amount of cannabis involved was valued at approximately €20, allowing the District Court to accept jurisdiction in the matter.
Garda Declan Lambe, of Muff Garda Station, gave evidence outlining the circumstances of the case. He told the court that on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, gardaí conducted a search at Mr Ramsey’s residence in Burnfoot.
During the search, a small bag of suspected cannabis was discovered in the defendant’s bedroom and was seized as evidence.
The following day, Thursday, July 3, Mr Ramsey attended Buncrana Garda Station, where he spoke with Garda Lambe. While there, he was interviewed under caution and admitted that the substance recovered during the search was cannabis, stating it was for his own personal use.
The court also heard that Mr Ramsey signed a written document acknowledging ownership of the drug. It was further confirmed that the defendant has no previous convictions.
After considering the evidence, Judge Daly recorded a conviction against Mr Ramsey in his absence. The judge imposed a fine of €180, allowing four months for payment.