Waitress (26) caught with two ecstasy tablets and cannabis escapes drugs conviction
“If you’re before the court again for a charge like this, you’ll be convicted, and that’ll be the end of your aspirations to work outside this jurisdiction” - judge warns defendant
A Buncrana waitress caught with two ecstasy tablets and a small quantity of cannabis has been given the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction after a judge ordered her to make a charitable donation to a rehabilitation centre.
Caitlin Doherty, of 24 Crana View, Buncrana, appeared before Buncrana District Court, where she pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The 26-year-old was found in possession of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, valued at €20, along with cannabis worth €30, following a search of her home on October 30, 2025.
The court heard that Ms Doherty works part-time in a café and has no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian outlined a number of mitigating circumstances on behalf of his client and asked the court to consider dealing with the matter without imposing a criminal conviction.
Mr Dorrian said Ms Doherty had previously attended college, where she studied animal behavioural science and hoped to resume her education in the future.
He explained how she had “disengaged” from her studies during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
The solicitor told the court that if Ms Doherty was successful in resuming the pursuit of her qualification, it could potentially lead to employment opportunities abroad. However, he said a conviction under the Misuse of Drugs Act would represent a serious obstacle to those ambitions.
Mr Dorrian asked Judge Emile Daly to consider what he described as an “alternative form of sanction” in light of his client’s early guilty plea and previously clean record.
Judge Daly agreed to deal with the matter by way of a charitable donation in lieu of a conviction but warned Ms Doherty that she was being afforded a “once-off opportunity”.
“If you’re before the court again for a charge like this, you’ll be convicted, and that’ll be the end of your aspirations to work outside this jurisdiction,” Judge Daly told the defendant.
“You get this opportunity once, and you don’t get it again,” the judge added.
Judge Daly directed that Ms Doherty make a €300 donation to the White Oaks rehabilitation centre in Muff, and adjourned the matter until May 26 for proof of payment.
The court heard that if the donation is not paid by that date, Ms Doherty will be convicted of the drugs offences and fined €500.
Legal Aid was granted to Mr Dorrian in relation to the case.